Australia Unveils First Locally Built OEM Electric Trucks, Marking Milestone for Clean Transport
Australia has reached a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of the country’s first locally built original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery-electric trucks at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol manufacturing facility in Queensland.
The milestone was officially marked on Wednesday in the presence of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Volvo Group executives, industry leaders and logistics partners, as the first Australian-made battery-electric heavy trucks rolled off the production line.
According to Volvo Group Australia, the vehicles are the first battery-electric heavy trucks manufactured in Australia by an OEM, representing a significant step forward for the nation’s manufacturing capability, skilled workforce and transition toward zero-tailpipe-emission transport. The trucks were produced at Volvo’s Wacol plant, which has been building trucks for Australian conditions for more than 50 years. Local workers were trained by international specialists to manufacture the electric models to Volvo’s global standards.
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Albanese said the project reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Australian manufacturing and creating skilled local jobs.
“My Government is backing a future made in Australia – investing in local jobs, manufacturing and industry. We have all the resources to be a clean energy superpower, under the ground and in the sky, and projects like this show just what’s possible. Electric-made trucks built right here in Brisbane will keep Australia moving now and into the future.”
Volvo Group Executive Vice President and President of Volvo Trucks, Roger Alm, said local production demonstrates the company’s long-term confidence in Australia.
“Australia is an important market for Volvo Trucks, and building electric trucks here is a clear sign of our long-term commitment. It reflects Volvo Group’s confidence in Australian manufacturing and in the people behind it,” he said.
Volvo Group Australia President and CEO Martin Merrick described the occasion as “a proud day for Australian manufacturing,” noting that it is the first time an OEM has built an electric heavy truck in Australia. He said the achievement proves Australian workers can manufacture world-class battery-electric vehicles and provides a foundation for future production as demand grows.
The first Australian-built electric prime movers will enter service with logistics company Linfox. CEO Mark Mazurek said deploying the locally manufactured trucks demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between industry, manufacturers and government while supporting more sustainable freight transport.
Transport currently accounts for around 22 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions, making the electrification of heavy freight a key component of the country’s emissions reduction strategy. Volvo said expanding electric truck production will require continued cooperation between industry and government, including investment in charging infrastructure, supportive policies and harmonised heavy vehicle regulations across Australian states.
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