The electric truck’s introduction is a direct move towards Fonterra’s ambitious sustainability goals. The company expects the vehicle to reduce its carbon emissions by 30-40 tonnes per year, a compelling piece of data journalism that highlights the tangible environmental benefits of electrified transport. By replacing a traditional diesel truck, this single vehicle will contribute to the cooperative’s broader strategy of decarbonizing its logistics and working towards a lower-emission future for its entire supply chain.

This project is a crucial pilot program designed to test the viability of the technology in a real-world commercial setting. The trial will gather valuable data on the truck’s performance, range, and operational costs. For the dairy economics sector, this information is critical, as it will determine whether a full-scale transition to electric fleets is a practical and economically sound choice for a company whose operations depend on the daily collection of fresh milk from farms across the country.

The launch is a testament to the power of cross-industry partnerships. Fonterra is collaborating not only with TIL Logistics, which operates the vehicle, but also with Fuso, the manufacturer of the eCanter truck. The refrigerated body was supplied by Fruehauf, demonstrating a collective effort to integrate specialized, sustainable technology into the complex system of dairy transport. This partnership model serves as a strong example for others in the international dairy community seeking to innovate in their supply chains.