Australia Post drives forward with new electric truck, renewable diesel

Photo: Australia Post

Australia Post marked in late October two major steps forward in its commitment to more sustainable logistics, unveiling its first heavy-duty large electric truck and announcing a new renewable diesel partnership with Ampol.

The new Mercedes-Benz eActros, manufactured by Daimler Truck, is the first heavy-duty electric truck to join Australia Post’s national fleet, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to low-emission delivery solutions.

According to Australia Post, the eActros produces zero tailpipe emissions, offers advanced safety features and delivers a quieter, more efficient driving experience suited to urban and regional freight routes.

Mitch Buxton, Australia Post’s general manager of network assets and implementation, said the eActros is an important step in understanding how large electric vehicles can integrate into the organization’s operations.

“Trialing the eActros will give us valuable insights into how heavy-duty electric vehicles can perform across our network,” Buxton 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. Introducing electric trucks is not without its challenges, from charging infrastructure to range and load capacity—but it’s a challenge we are excited to take on.”

Coinciding with this launch, Australia Post has also partnered with Ampol to supply 5 million liters (1.32 million gallons) of Amplify Diesel R10, consisting of a 10 percent blend of renewable diesel, to its Redbank Parcel Facility in Brisbane.

The renewable diesel will be used in the site’s existing truck fleet of 89 vehicles over the next year, reducing lifecycle emissions without requiring engine modifications.

Together, Australia Post said the two initiatives reflect its multisolution approach to reducing emissions across one of the nation’s largest and most diverse transport fleets, evolving in step with advances in technology and cleaner-energy solutions.

“We know there’s no single path to decarbonizing a fleet of our size and scale,” Buxton said. “That’s why we’re exploring a range of cleaner alternatives, from electric vehicles to renewable diesel to find the best mix to support the size of our operations. Each step helps us learn, adapt and keep driving on our path to target net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Brad Phillips, Ampol’s general manager for business to business, said Ampol is proud of the role it continues to play in supporting customers as their transport-energy priorities evolve.

“Renewable diesel has the potential to lower fuel-lifecycle emissions as it’s manufactured from renewable feedstocks such as canola or waste products and is a logical solution for hard-to-abate industries where fleet or infrastructure changes are not required,” Phillips said.

“We’re excited to support Australia Post in their journey through the energy transition,” he added.

These initiatives form part of Australia Post’s broader sustainability commitment, which includes targeting net zero by 2050.