While Volvo Group Australia has had medium duty battery electric trucks operating successfully in Australia since mid-2021, it will be the first time electric power will feature in the movement of 3-axle prime movers operating at a gross weight of 44,000 kg.

The vehicle will have the latest heavy vehicle safety features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, passenger corner camera, dynamic steering with stability assist, under-run protection, collision warning with emergency braking and electronically controlled brake systems.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he was excited to see Volvo bringing the latest zero emission technology trucks to Queensland.

“We know reducing transport emissions will play a key role in achieving net zero emissions in Queensland by 2050, and this trial is an important step towards that,” he said.

“The introduction of battery electric heavy vehicles provides opportunities to also bring vehicles with the latest safety technology features and emissions performance to our shores.

“The information available from trials like this will help our engineers make sure mass and dimension issues with the take-up of battery electric heavy vehicles are managed in a sustainable way to benefit all Queenslanders.”

Volvo Group Australia is Australia’s largest automotive manufacturer and has produced more than 75,000 trucks at its Brisbane manufacturing plants since 1972.

The Wacol production facility produces both Volvo and Mack trucks, employing more than 800 people and a team of 60 engineers.