Toll tests out first electric-yard tractor in Aust

Logistics company Toll has trialled the first-ever electric yard tractor, a vehicle from bus manufacturer Nexport, at the Coles Truganina distribution centre in Melbourne’s west.

The ATM 38T Gaussin yard tractor is powered by zero emissions technology and supersedes models that traditionally use diesel fuel.

Toll executive general manager Nick Vrckovski said Toll was pleased to partner with Coles and Nexport to trial the zero-emissions yard tractor.

“Increasingly, our customers are looking to us to provide sustainable solutions,” Vrckovski said.

“The trial of the electric yard tractor is part of Toll’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and deliver the same service with lower emissions,” he said.

The yard tractor features a Gaussin battery swap-out system that tackles the battery range challenges faced with traditional fixed battery systems.

A drained power pack can be replaced with a fully charged battery in just a few minutes, eliminating vehicle downtime during charging.

The batteries are recharged through 100 per cent renewable electricity sourced from the Truganina distribution centre.

The vehicle also boasts improved safety features, including automatic speed reduction for better vehicle stability and handling.

“Toll has made significant investments in energy-efficient facilities and fleet, including hydrogen, battery electric, and hybrid trucks vehicles,” Vrckovski said.

He continued that by 2025, Toll is aiming at a 100 per cent battery-electric forklift fleet.

“We continue investigating alternate energy opportunities to find operationally viable solutions to assist us on our journey to net zero,” he said.

The yard tractor trial also forms a significant part of Coles’ Together to Zero Sustainability strategy, which Coles head of transport David Clark said also demonstrates how Coles can work with transport partners to reduce operational emissions.

“Coles is proud to be partnering with Toll to trial one of the first electric yard tractors in Australia,” Clark said.

“It’s another excellent example of the innovative measures Coles is implementing in order to reduce emissions and achieve our sustainability ambitions,” he said.

Related: Team Global Express to trial Australia’s largest logistics EV fleet

Nexport chief commercial officer Dan Porter said they are proud to partner with Toll and Coles in this first-of-its-kind trial in Australia.

“We share a common vision for zero-emission transportation and are dedicated to helping government and industry traverse the journey to zero emissions,” Porter said.

“Nexport’s 100% electric yard tractor from Gaussin will be instrumental in supporting Toll’s and Coles’ commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said.

He continued that the yard tractors are designed for Australian conditions, focusing on safety first, improved, and quieter working conditions, and industry-exclusive ergonomics that create a better operator experience.

“Our partnership with Gaussin provides the basis of these solutions for logistics hubs, seaports, and airports utilising manual and autonomous technologies coupled with Nexport’s deep operational knowledge and infrastructure,” he said.

To support local manufacturing, Porter also revealed the yard tractors are assembled in Nexport’s factory in Western Sydney.

“We commend Toll and Coles for leading the way and their commitment to a sustainable and better future for customers and suppliers,” Porter concluded.

Source: Toll media release.