In a significant development for urban transport, a new initiative is set to transform the way goods are delivered across a particular Aussie city.

This innovative approach involves integrating cutting-edge electric vehicles into the logistics network, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The move is expected to not only streamline operations but also contribute positively to environmental goals, marking a notable shift in the city’s transport and delivery landscape.


The Australian supermarket landscape is undergoing an electrifying transformation, quite literally, with the introduction of a fleet of Australian-made electric utility vehicles (utes) servicing Woolworths stores in Sydney's western suburbs.

The Queensland-based ACE-EV Group is at the forefront of this change, having developed and manufactured nine electric utes that will be tasked with the collection of shopping trolleys at various Woolworths locations.

These vehicles are a testament to Australian ingenuity and a beacon of hope for an industry that many feared had seen its final days.


Gregory McGarvie, Managing Director of ACE-EV Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the electric utes were ‘a pleasure’ to operate and contribute positively to the environment by producing zero emissions.

‘We have auto here. It’s an apex industry, it’s complex, but it breeds so many other industries below it,’ he shared.

This initiative is a nod to the once-thriving auto industry in Australia, which suffered a significant blow with the exit of major manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, and Holden seven years ago.


The electric utes, which were first announced in May, are expected to efficiently collect up to 1000 trolleys daily from car parks and surrounding streets.

While they are manufactured in western Sydney, it's reported that the assembly takes place overseas.

One of the notable features of these vehicles is a warning light designed to alert pedestrians, enhancing safety in busy supermarket environments.

Jane Frewan, Woolworths 360 Facilities Director, expressed earlier this year that the company had ‘jumped at opportunity’ for the new trolley service.

‘We were inspired by the innovative technologies we saw from Gregory McGarvie and his team at ACE EV Group,’ she stated.

According to a statement from the Queensland start-up, ACE-EV, the nine new utes are being added to an existing fleet of six already in operation.


As technology continues to drive significant changes in various sectors, including the fleet industry, the push towards sustainable solutions is gaining momentum.

While the introduction of electric utes into Woolworths' fleet represents a major step forward in eco-friendly logistics, there are also new incentives aimed at encouraging individual Australians to make greener choices.

In line with these advancements, state governments are now offering financial incentives to drivers, which could potentially help reduce the cost of transitioning to electric vehicles.
Have you spotted any of these electric utes at your local Woolies? Do you think other supermarkets should join the electric revolution? Share your opinions in the comments below.