Albertsons deploys Volvo Trucks’ electric VNRs in California
Albertsons Companies, the second-largest grocery chain in the U.S., recently took delivery of two Volvo VNR Electric trucks at its distribution center in Irvine, Calif.
The VNR Electric models from Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) are the first zero-tailpipe emission, battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be deployed in Albertsons’ company-wide fleet, and will be serving Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in Southern California. Albertsons procured electric-powered transport refrigeration units from Advanced Energy Machines (AEM) to pair with its Volvo VNR Electrics, enabling Albertsons to make the first commercial 100% zero-emission grocery delivery with a Class 8 truck in the U.S.
This inaugural delivery, which took place May 28 at a LEED-certified Albertsons store in Irvine is an exciting step toward achieving the company’s sustainability goals, according to the companies.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Albertsons Cos. as they begin their journey toward fleet electrification and achieve this momentous accomplishment of a fully zero-emission grocery delivery,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of VTNA. “Albertsons’ commitment to corporate sustainability is demonstrated by the steps it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint in its stores and fleet.
“We are confident that the Volvo VNR Electrics Albertsons is deploying in Southern California will enable the company to not only reduce its emissions, but to make reliable daily deliveries to its grocery stores throughout the region.”
Albertsons operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks nationwide, all of which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards. The Southern California fleet, which is made up entirely of trucks manufactured by Volvo, covers 335 stores in the region, running from the Central Coast to the California-Mexico border.
Increasing its transportation sustainability is just one way in which Albertsons reduces its environmental impact. The company maintains sustainability goals in all sectors of its operations, including energy use, plastics and packaging, and recycling and waste reduction. In April, Albertsons committed to setting a science-based target to reduce carbon emissions. Its emissions-reduction target will include their direct operations and value chain in order to support the goals of the United Nations’ Paris Agreement and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. In order to meet their climate goals, Albertsons will leverage technology like Volvo’s VNR Electric trucks, and continue to implement energy-efficiency projects and produce renewable energy.
“The partnership Albertsons has built with Volvo Trucks has enabled our fleet to be on the forefront of innovation and to demonstrate our leadership in sustainable transportation,” said Tim Burke, vice president of transportation for Albertsons. “We look forward to operating Volvo VNR Electric trucks in our Southern California routes, as they will not only help improve air quality in the communities in which we operate, but the quiet motors will also provide a better working environment for our drivers and grocery store staff.”
The VNR Electrics Albertsons acquired through Volvo Financial Services (VFS) are part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a collaboration between VTNA, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), and 12 other organizations to develop a support ecosystem to successfully introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the North American transport industry at scale.
“By taking this major step, Albertsons has demonstrated the viability of a sustainable, zero-emission goods delivery future,” said Lisa A. Bartlett, Orange County supervisor and South Coast AQMD governing board member. “South Coast AQMD commends Albertsons and the Volvo LIGHTS project for helping us reach this milestone, paving the way for future fleets to improve air quality throughout the South Coast Air Basin.”
To help Albertsons maximize vehicle uptime, TEC Equipment, Volvo’s largest West Coast dealership and a Volvo LIGHTS project partner, will provide contracted maintenance and repairs through the Volvo Gold Contract service offering at its location in Fontana, Calif. TEC Equipment, as well as dealers throughout the Western U.S., will receive continued battery-electric vehicle support and access to knowledge about the VNR Electric model with the addition of a new Volvo Trucks training facility in Hayward, Calif. This 9,600-square-foot location will facilitate programs for Volvo Trucks’ employees, dealer technicians, sales staff, and aftermarket personnel, as well as owner-operators and fleet customers.
“TEC Equipment has worked hand-in-hand with Albertsons since 2013 to maximize efficiency and uptime in its fleet, and we are excited to be able to continue this partnership as they deploy their first Volvo VNR Electrics,” said David Thompson, founder and CEO of TEC. “Our service teams in our Fontana and La Mirada dealerships have gained valuable hands-on experience maintaining VNR Electric models over the past year through the Volvo LIGHTS project and are ready to support our customers with scaled fleet electrification.”
