Australia Post has unveiled its first heavy-duty electric truck and announced a new renewable diesel partnership with Ampol.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros, manufactured by Daimler Truck, is the first large electric vehicle to join Australia Post’s national fleet. The truck produces zero tailpipe emissions, features advanced safety systems, and is designed for urban and regional freight routes.
Mitch Buxton, General Manager Network Assets and Implementation at Australia Post, said trialling the eActros will give them valuable insights into how heavy-duty electric vehicles can perform across its network.
“We’ve been investing in electric delivery vehicles for more than a decade, and this is the next step in building a cleaner, smarter and more resilient fleet for the future.
“Introducing electric trucks is not without its challenges, from charging infrastructure to range and load capacity – but it’s a challenge we are excited to take on.”
Alongside the electric truck launch, Australia Post has partnered with Ampol to supply 5 million litres of Amplify Diesel R10, a 10 per cent renewable diesel blend, to its Redbank Parcel Facility in Brisbane. The diesel will power the facility’s existing fleet of 89 trucks over the next year, reducing lifecycle emissions without engine modifications.
“We know there’s no single path to decarbonising a fleet of our size and scale. That’s why we’re exploring a range of cleaner alternatives, from electric vehicles to renewable diesel, to find the best mix to support the size of our operations. Each step helps us learn, adapt and keep driving on our path to target net zero emissions by 2050,” said Buxton.
Brad Phillips, General Manager B2B at Ampol, said the partnership reflects the evolving role of renewable fuels.
“Renewable diesel has the potential to lower fuel lifecycle emissions as it’s manufactured from renewable feedstocks such as canola or waste products and is a logical solution for hard to abate industries where fleet or infrastructure changes are not required.”
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