Australia Post has added its first heavy-duty electric truck to its national network and partnered with Ampol on a renewable diesel supply deal, marking two major steps in its push to decarbonise freight operations.
The new Mercedes-Benz eActros, manufactured by Daimler Truck, is the first large electric truck to join Australia Post’s fleet. The vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, features advanced safety technology, and is designed for both urban and regional freight routes.
Australia Post General Manager Network Assets and Implementation, Mitch Buxton, said the trial of the eActros will help the organisation assess how large electric vehicles can fit within its operational model. “Trialling the eActros will give us valuable insights into how heavy-duty electric vehicles can perform across our network,” he said. “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.”
Running in parallel, Ampol will supply 5 million litres of Amplify Diesel R10—a 10 per cent renewable diesel blend—to Australia Post’s Redbank Parcel Facility in Brisbane. The renewable diesel, manufactured from feedstocks such as canola and waste materials, will fuel 89 trucks at the site over the next year. Unlike traditional biodiesel, renewable diesel can be used without modification to existing engines or infrastructure, offering a lower-emissions option for heavy transport.
Ampol General Manager B2B Brad Phillips said renewable diesel provided “a logical solution for hard to abate industries where fleet or infrastructure changes are not required.”
Together, the two initiatives demonstrate a dual-track approach to cleaner logistics—trialling new electric technology while also using renewable fuels to cut emissions from existing vehicles. The combined effort reflects Australia Post’s wider commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Story with thanks to MHD Supply Chain news