Volvo Trucks North America has announced that Home Hardware Stores Limited—Canada’s largest dealer-owned and operated home improvement retailer—has added two Volvo VNR Electric trucks to their fleet.
These two trucks are the first zero-tailpipe emission vehicles to join the Home Hardware brand.
“We are thrilled to partner with Home Hardware Stores Limited in their journey towards a sustainable future by integrating our Volvo VNR Electric trucks into their fleet. This collaboration marks a significant step in reducing emissions and enhancing urban delivery efficiency,” stated Matthew Blackman, the Managing Director for Canada, Volvo Trucks North America. “By adopting these zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, Home Hardware Stores Limited is setting a new standard in the home improvement industry.”
The two Volvo VNR Electric 6x4 tractors deployed by Home Hardware are equipped with a six-battery pack configuration, offering a range of up to 442 kilometers (275 miles).
The trucks are being used for last-mile deliveries from the company’s distribution center in St. Jacobs, Ontario, to stores within a 100-150 kilometer (62 to 93 mile) radius.
The battery-electric trucks will help deliver home improvement and building materials to dealers under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre, and Home Furniture banners.
“We are proud to introduce our new battery-electric trucks to our privately owned fleet,” said Kevin Macnab, President and Chief Executive Officer of Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Recognized by the Private Motor Truck Council as Safest Large Fleet, as well as Trucking HR Canada as a Top Fleet Employer and a Fleet of Distinction, Home Hardware Stores Limited is committed to forward-thinking logistics that evolve our supply chain to best support our dealers so they can serve their communities.”
The Volvo VNR Electric truck is well-suited for urban deliveries as a zero-tailpipe emissions transportation solution while significantly reducing heat, noise, and vibrations. This provides a quieter and more comfortable experience for the driver, leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction. The truck’s quiet operation minimizes noise pollution, which is particularly beneficial in urban areas and the residential communities served by Home Hardware and Building Centre locations.
Vision Truck Group, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was the first Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle dealer in the Greater Toronto area. They supported Home Hardware Stores Limited in identifying the ideal Volvo VNR Electric configuration for their operations utilizing the Electric Performance Generator tool. This tool enables fleet managers to simulate real-world routes for their battery-electric trucks, considering specific route details including traffic patterns and terrain. The dealership also provides training programs for drivers to understand the nuances of operating a battery-electric truck, including efficient driving practices to maximize range.
Vision Truck Group will continue to support Home Hardware Stores Limited on its electromobility journey through the comprehensive Gold Service Contract from Volvo Trucks. The Gold Service Contract is a premium service offering exclusively for the VNR Electric truck, ensuring operational peace of mind and serving to maximize customer uptime, battery state of health, and more.
Home Hardware Stores Limited is collaborating with AUX Energy, a wholly owned Hydro One energy solutions company, to provide charging infrastructure at its distribution center for the Volvo VNR Electric trucks.
Vision Truck Group assisted Home Hardware Stores Limited in evaluating and securing funding options to offset the cost of the battery-electric trucks and supporting charging infrastructure. Home Hardware Stores Limited utilized funding through Natural Resources Canada and its Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Development to help build the charging infrastructure.
For more information on the electric lineup of Volvo trucks, visit www.volvotrucks.us/trucks/vnr-electric/.