Australian last-mile delivery company ANC and lading rental, leasing and fleet management company ORIX Australia Corporation (ORIX) have established strategic partnership designed to help ANC achieve zero-carbon operations.

In a first step of the partnership, ANC, supported by ORIX, has added a new battery-electric (BEV) truck, nicknamed “BESTe” to its fleet. Produced by SEA Electric, a provider of commercial BEVs for delivery and distribution fleets, BESTe boasts a 240 km (149 mile) range. The truck’s three-phase charging socket is fast-charge ready.

According to ANC, the BEV truck breaks down the top four barriers to adoption in the last mile sector: accessible conversion strategy data, cost, BEV model availability and charging infrastructure.

An early adopter of sustainable practices – green vehicles in its fleet already sequester more than 110 tons of carbon emissions – ANC has committed to growing its BEV fleet both in size and type. The company will pioneer an additional two new electrified vehicles in Australia by year’s end.

“We have committed to growing this fleet both in size and type as we seek to reimagine the last mile,” said Mo Abbas, ANC group executive, marketing and strategy. “This goal benefits everyone, and it’s important to partner with companies such as ORIX to create a greener and more sustainable world for future generations.”

“We recognize our role is to use our expertise to assist clients in identifying solutions that reduce their environmental impact and embed more sustainable practices without compromising their business operations. BESTe is the ideal solution for ANC as it works towards offering a zero-carbon last mile,” commented ORIX Rental and Mobility General Manager Grant Harrison.