AUSTRALIA | McDonald's has introduced its first-ever electric delivery trucks, which have been implemented throughout Sydney.
McDonald’s Australia has partnered with long-term supply chain partner Martin Brower Australia to launch its first electric delivery trucks, transporting up to 4,600 kilograms of McDonald’s products per delivery from its Wetherill Park distribution centre to restaurants across Sydney.
The truck made its first delivery to McDonald’s Wetherill Park restaurant on Friday, 21 June, with special guest, The Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, in the passenger seat.
This is the first phase of electric truck trials for McDonald’s and Martin Brower, who will review the efficiency and impact of the truck to inform vehicle purchasing decisions from 2025 and beyond.
With zero tailpipe emissions, the truck emits no harmful pollutants during operation, improving air quality, reducing fuel consumption and reducing noise in local neighbourhoods.
McDonald’s is committed to reducing emissions by 50 percent across its restaurants, offices and supplier facilities, including logistics in partnership with Martin Brower, by 2030, as well as achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“McDonald’s is committed to working with its suppliers like Martin Brower, to find innovative ways to reduce emissions across its supply chain,” said Tom Mahony, Senior Director of Supply Chain, McDonald’s Australia.
“Martin Brower plays a critical role in delivering over six million kilograms of Macca’s items, including Aussie produce and ingredients, to over 1,000 restaurants across the country per week. Adding an electric truck to our fleet of restaurant delivery vehicles will allow us to gain meaningful insights and experience in operating electric vehicles and understand the role they could play in the future.
Mahony added that this was only the beginning for the company.
“This is the first step towards reducing our transport emissions, in partnership with Martin Brower, and continuing to find ways to minimise our environmental impact across our supply chain.”
This announcement aligns with the Federal Government’s goal to decarbonise Australia’s transport infrastructure and supply chains under the National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said these trucks were great for the climate, great for the drivers and great for the customers.
“As a Western Sydney resident, I see many trucks driving through our community making deliveries. I congratulate McDonald’s and Martin Brower on making their first EV purchase which will increase driver and customer satisfaction.”
Martin Brower operates a fleet of approximately 200 vehicles that cover over 150,000 kilometres per week to deliver products and stock to McDonald’s restaurants across the country.
Martin Brower’s newest vehicle, the Volvo FL refrigerated truck, has up to 230 kilometres of range, tailored to the demands of urban Sydney restaurant deliveries.
This is the first Volvo refrigerated electric truck to operate in New South Wales and features a 265kWh energy capacity across four batteries, with its charging station located at the Martin Bower warehouse in Wetherill Park.
“We are excited to take the wheel of our first fully electric truck in Australia. This will enable the local team to better understand the impacts and benefits of an electric fleet, and how we can grow this offering to decarbonise deliveries and achieve our collective emission reduction goals,” said Scott Hanigan, Managing Director ANZ, Martin Brower.
