The supply chain arm of Woolworths Group, Primary Connect, is making moves to reduce fuel reliance, with electric prime movers supplied by Toll Group being deployed at the company’s Moorebank distribution centre (DC), which was completed in November 2024.
With the supply chain under pressure, the insights gained from the project will contribute to broader industry knowledge on energy usage, route planning, and vehicle performance, and support the long-term transition to low-emissions freight transport in Australia.
The federal government recently updated the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and released a new National Action Plan, which outlines a set of actions that government and industry will work together to deliver over the next five years. One of the key actions was conducting safety research on batteries and zero emission power technologies for freight vehicles.
Woolworths Group chief supply chain officer and Primary Connect acting managing director, Chris Brooks, said the initiative marks an important step forward in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint through innovation in heavy transport.
“This initiative allows us to demonstrate the practical application of electric vehicle technology in our heavy transport operations while also providing valuable insights into the infrastructure required to support and scale a future electric fleet,” said Brooks.
“Coupled with our investment in dedicated charging facilities, it underscores our commitment to driving sustainable change within the Australian logistics industry.”
Commencing operations in October, the Volvo FM battery electric prime mover will provide a cleaner, quieter, and lower-emissions transport solution. The program is supported by a 980kw EV charger at the Moorebank DC, working with the site’s 3.8MW onsite solar generation system.
Toll stated this milestone was just the beginning of heavy electric vehicle deployment for Primary Connect in New South Wales, with additional units to follow.
Toll retail & consumer president, Nick Vrckovski, said the milestone reflected the long-standing partnership between Toll and Woolworths, built on a shared commitment to service excellence, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“We’re proud to support Woolworths’ transition to a cleaner transport network by introducing the first of a program of electric heavy vehicles to service its supply chain needs. This is a significant moment in our 20-year partnership, as we work together toward a lower-emissions future,” said Vrckovski.
“Deploying electric vehicles at scale is a complex challenge in our industry, and it’s one we’re committed to solving. Through collaboration, innovation, and targeted investment, we’re building a logistics network ready to meet the demands of a more sustainable supply chain.”
The delivery forms part of Toll’s $67 million investment in battery electric heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure, co-funded with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its Driving the Nation program.
