Volvo Trucks North America has sent two of its VNR Electric trucks to Loblaw Companies Limited, the largest grocery and pharmacy retailer in Canada.
The two vehicles feature an ultra-quiet, zero-tailpipe emission promise that will deliver cleaner air and reduced noise, as Loblaws will deploy them for use to its stores in the Greater Montréal Area.
“It is a win-win opportunity to support customers who share our commitment to a sustainable future, so we are honored to be part of this journey with Loblaw as they work to transition their fleet to fossil-free solutions,” explained Peter Voorhoeve, President, Volvo Trucks North America.
“Loblaw has been purchasing Volvo trucks for more than 25 years, and we have worked to provide them with dependable, efficient, and innovative solutions that meet their evolving needs,” he continued. “Now, with the adoption of the Volvo VNR Electric, we are taking our partnership to a new level, uniting in our commitment to decarbonizing the transportation industry."
The Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric was designed as a zero-tailpipe emission solution for fleet operators supporting local and regional distribution, pickup and delivery, and food and beverage distribution.
The two VNR Electric vehicles for Loblaw are 6x4 tractors with a six-battery pack configuration that will provide each with a range of up to 275 miles (442 kilometers).
Loblaw said that the two vehicles will operate out of its DC (distribution center) in Boucherville, Québec, on routes that cover approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) a day across two eight-hour shifts.
The zero-tailpipe emissions promised by the Volvo VNR Electric also help support Loblaw’s sustainability initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of its operations as it strives to achieve net zero by 2040.
Loblaw said that it will continue to expand its adoption of battery-electric trucks, working towards the goal of being fully transitioned to zero-tailpipe emission day cabs by 2030.
“We operate stores within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of 90 percent of Canadians, which means we run thousands of deliveries every single day and millions per year,” commented Rob Wiebe, the Chief Administrative Officer for Loblaw. "Finding viable solutions to decarbonize our transportation fleet is critical as we work to fight climate change. It’s thanks to the innovation and dependability of organizations like Volvo Trucks North America that we’ll be able to achieve this goal."
To support its battery-electric trucks, Loblaw has installed four chargers, including a 175 kW high-power fast charger.
The Volvo VNR Electric trucks have a battery capacity of 565 kWh and can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes.
The trucks will be maintained and serviced by authorized Volvo dealer Camions Volvo Montréal, which was named one of the first two Canadian dealerships to earn the designation of Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealership.