Alexander Group introduces its first electric truck

Alexander Group has added its first electric truck to its national fleet, marking a significant step in the company’s sustainability strategy.

The Volvo FL Electric was officially handed over at Volvo Trucks’ flagship Christchurch showroom.

The family-owned operator is a major transporter of bulk gases across New Zealand. Chief executive Hayley Alexander says the decision reflects growing customer expectations for lower-emission freight options.

“Our customers increasingly expect more sustainable transport options, and this step reflects our long-term commitment to reducing environmental impact. Volvo’s proven reliability and advanced technology made them the ideal partner for this important milestone,” Alexander says.

She says the business is focused on optimising logistics to reduce fuel use and emissions, with key customers such as Air Liquide supporting the shift. Funding from EECA’s Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund also helped enable the project.

Volvo Trucks New Zealand general manager Scott Holt says Alexander Group’s move to electrification is an important moment for the brand locally.

“We are extremely proud that Alexander Group have chosen Volvo to start the electrification of some of their fleet,” Holt says.

He notes national fleet sales manager Blair Stapleton worked closely with the company through the build process, resulting in “an impressive outcome that we are all very proud of”.

The 4×2 rigid FL Electric will deliver and collect compressed-gas cylinders for Air Liquide in the Christchurch metropolitan area. The truck produces 265kW (300hp) and is expected to deliver around 280km of range on a single charge based on Alexander Group’s route plan. It is fitted with a custom Fruehauf gas-bottle body and a 1500kg tail lift.

Charging infrastructure has been installed at Alexander Bulk Gases’ Sockburn site, with Jump Charging delivering a Zerova DW Series 30kW DC charger.

Jump Charging chief executive Alex Watson says the system is designed as a reliable overnight-charging solution with ongoing support to enable future fleet expansion.

“This is an economical, fit-for-purpose solution designed to provide reliable overnight charging,” Watson says.