Waste and recycling company FOOTT has announced a pioneering sustainable transport move with the trial of a Volvo FE electric truck on regional routes.
The trial is a groundbreaking initiative for the Australian market that comes courtesy of the collaboration between CMV Truck & Bus Shepparton and Volvo Trucks Australia.
FOOTT, based in Shepparton, has been a trusted partner of organisations, both large and small, for the past 30 years. Its focus on innovation and technology and its ability to implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability has seen it transform the waste industry in Victoria and across Australia.
“We have always been committed to innovation to reduce our environmental impacts,” FOOTT CEO Andrew Yeoland says.
“At FOOTT, we have invested in new technology, equipment and infrastructure and developed new processes to enable us to continually improve our service offerings to customers.”
As part of FOOTT’s ongoing efforts to embrace the latest innovations, the company has embarked on a one-month trial of the Volvo EV rear loader electric truck.
This is the first rear loader electric truck to be in operation in a regional location in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable transportation in the regional waste management sector.
Volvo says its electric trucks offer numerous benefits, including zero-emissions, reduced noise pollution and lower operating costs compared to traditional diesel trucks.
FOOTT is exploring the potential use of electric trucks for council kerbside collections and for short-haul transport, where feasible.
“Zero-emissions are possible for our regional customers with the right application,” Volvo Group Australia e-mobility solutions manager Tim Camilleri says.
“The FOOTT trial will provide valuable insights into the impact of electric PTO use on range and productivity to drive future technologies.”
FOOTT says it is proud of its ongoing and expanding relationship with Volvo Trucks and CMV Truck & Bus, further solidifying this partnership with the latest venture.
“CMV Truck & Bus has been a trusted partner of FOOTT for more than 15 years and its knowledge and passion for sustainable solutions makes it the perfect business to align with, especially as we transition to electric vehicles,” Yeoland says.
“We are confident in Brody and the team at CMV Truck & Bus Shepperton to support our business as we continue to grow and evolve.”
CMV Truck & Bus Shepparton has played a pivotal role in facilitating this trial by offering technical expertise and support. To help make the next month a success, CMV Truck & Bus used Volvo’s proprietary Electronic Range Simulation Tool (ERS) to ensure the team from FOOTT were completely up to speed on all aspects of the trial, including range, charging and route mapping.
“We are thrilled to support FOOTT in its sustainability journey with new technologies,” CMV Truck & Bus branch manager Brody Gray says.
“CMV Truck & Bus is at the forefront of supporting customers in its transition to more renewable energy sources and will be with the FOOTT team every step of the way.”