Two new prime movers are set to be delivered to QFES as part of an Australian first trial.
The Volvo trucks - one running on Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and the other electric – will support operational logistics at Caloundra and Townsville.
Built at the Volvo factory in Wacol, Brisbane, the HVO-powered truck comes with the latest 13-litre Euro 6 technology, allowing it to run on either the alternative fuel or regular diesel.
During the trial, the prime mover – to be based in Townsville – will be operated solely on HVO to test its ability to survive the rigors of the job, covering significant distances across North Queensland on the alternative fuel source.
The electric-powered truck – the first Volvo FMX electric prime mover ordered in Australia – will be based at Caloundra and will be used for logistics delivery runs as part of its trial.
QFES Fleet has undertaken significant research into alternative technologies and reduced carbon fuel options to decarbonise the heavy vehicle fleet and is working towards meeting Queensland Government emissions targets.
An evaluation trial will be undertaken during the first 12 months of operational service with data collated via on-board vehicle information management systems and field evaluations from QFES personnel, with the support of Volvo.
There will also be a collaborative arrangement with the University of Queensland, in which the university’s researchers will support the evaluation phase of the trial.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services Nikki Boyd:
“This trial breaks new ground for Queensland’s emergency services and represents a significant step forward for greener transportation.
“The State Government is proud to be forging ahead with this trial and the move toward decarbonising the QFES fleet.
“QFES is the first Queensland Government department to introduce and conduct a trial operating heavy vehicles on HVO and pure electric.
“Volvo is at the forefront of electrified heavy road transport technology and I have no doubt firefighters will be eager to participate in this trial and get behind the wheel.
“The further adoption of electric and HVO-powered trucks will have a positive impact on all Queenslanders, through lower emissions, a reduction in noise pollution and in the case of electric vehicles, lower running costs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni:
“We’re decarbonising the heavy transport sector while continuing to deliver the high quality, critical frontline services Queenslanders rightly expect.
“With the transport sector contributing for more than 15% of Queensland’s total emissions, its critical all facets of Government work together to decarbonise their operations.
“Today’s announcement not only benefits the hardworking women and men of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, but so too does it support local manufacturing and clean economy jobs.
“By partnering with Volvo to deliver this nation-leading trial, the Miles Government is locking in a future made in Queensland, for Queenslanders.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner Steve Smith
“At the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2023, Volvo executives announced they had received the first Australian order for an electric FMX prime mover from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
“We are proud to be leading the charge in the effort to reduce our emissions.
“Both the electric and HVO-powered truck will be trialed in a non-critical tier of response and operations, allowing QFES the ability to assess the benefits of the vehicles before adopting them further into the fleet.
“There are about 500 heavy vehicles in the Fire and Rescue Service fleet and another 1030 in the Rural Fire Service, so this pilot plays a pivotal role in shaping the approach we take towards the decarbonisation of our service.
“HVO is a renewable, fossil-free fuel type that can be used interchangeably with regular diesel in a Euro 6 specified engine, without further modifications or any compromise on power.
“Most importantly, the use of HVO gives a carbon emissions reduction of about 95% compared to diesel.
“QFES Fleet will work with regional staff to install charging infrastructure at key hubs to support the adoption of the electric prime mover, while also establishing a reliable source of HVO for the prime mover headed for Townsville.”
Quotes attributable to Volvo Group Australia vice-president of public affairs, Lauren Pulitano
“This delivery signifies not only a commitment to a cleaner future but also to innovation and leadership.
“Earlier in 2024, Volvo Group Australia committed to manufacturing battery electric vehicles in its facility at Wacol, building on its 50-year history of local manufacturing.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing of electric vehicles in Wacol by as early as 2027 means that soon trucks, like this Volvo FMX, will be made right here in this factory.
“No one can get to zero emissions alone - we need partnerships.
“Industry, government, and other stakeholders all have a responsibility to work together to reduce emissions.
“Volvo is dedicated to partnering with Australian industry to decarbonise heavy transport.
“This is evident in the world-leading electric trucks, technology, and global experience we are bringing to Australia’s transition.”
