Volvo deploys VNR Electrics to transport parts to two of its plants
In collaboration with four carrier partners, Volvo Trucks North America will begin using VNR Electric trucks to transport parts and components to a Volvo manufacturing plant in Virginia and a Volvo Group plant in Pennsylvania for Mack Trucks.
“We believe in leading by example, and this project is an important part of our strategy to create a world-class, sustainable transport system ,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “By collaborating with our local carrier partners to deploy our own zero-tailpipe emission VNR Electric trucks to service our plants, we are able to improve sustainability within our value chain and in the communities in which our own employees work and families live.”
Working with local suppliers and carriers, Volvo has deployed eight Volvo VNR Electric trucks to service its New River Valley Assembly Operations in Virginia, according to a press release. The project was first announced in 2021 when Watsontown Trucking Company and Camrett Logistics ordered their first Volvo VNR Electric trucks. A third local carrier, Online Transport, has now joined the project.
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All three fleets have installed their own charging infrastructure at their facilities. The VNR Electric trucks are dedicated units for the Virginia plant, with each truck running several daily round-trip routes across two shifts. The fleets take advantage of opportunity charging during drivers’ 30-minute lunch on both the first and second shifts, and then fully charge the trucks at the end of the second shift when the companies can utilize off-peak utility rates.
In December 2022, truck carrier Ryder began operating seven Volvo VNR Electric trucks to transport assembly kits of components for heavy-duty trucks at the kitting facility for Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley Operations plant in Pennsylvania.
“We developed this supply chain project to reduce CO2 from our own operations,” said Daniel Vahlberg, sourcing and commodity leader of road transportation for Volvo Group truck operations’ logistics purchasing. “What better demonstration of the effectiveness of these trucks than having your own battery-electric trucks delivering through the entrance gates at both of the Volvo assembly plants?”
