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, Volvo said. Loblaw deployed two VNR Electric 6x4 tractors with a six-battery-pack configuration and a range of up to 442 kilometers (275 miles), both of which will operate out of the company’s distribution center in Boucherville, Quebec, on routes that cover approximately 200 kilometers a day across two eight hour shifts.
Loblaw added the VNR Electrics to support the company’s sustainability initiatives and reduce the environmental impact of its operations as it strives to achieve net zero by 2040. The company plans to steadily expand adoption of battery-electric trucks as it works toward a goal of fully transitioning to zero-tailpipe-emission daycabs by 2030.
“We operate stores within 10 kilometers of 90% of Canadians, which means we run thousands of deliveries every single day and millions per year,” said Rob Wiebe, 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 installed four chargers, including a 175 kW high-power fast charger. The electric trucks have a battery capacity of 565 kWh and can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes, Volvo said. The trucks will be maintained and serviced by authorized Volvo dealer Camions Volvo Montreal.
