With innovation on the brain, Loblaw is joining the ranks of retailers and distributors, including Sysco, Meijer, and more to implement electric Freightliner eCascadia trucks. However, the company is taking a step further by embarking on its first delivery via the electric vehicles.
“We are hoping to get close to 2 kW per mile, so we should hopefully get around 250 miles (400 km),” said Wayne Scott, Senior Director – Transport Maintenance. “It will be a good test on how the colder temperatures are going to affect the range compared to the Freightliner battery-electric vehicle experience we did in B.C. a couple years back.”
The first truck deployed out of Loblaw’s Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, distribution center. According to trucknews.com, the eCascadia truck will be servicing stores in the Greater Montreal Area of Canada. This will include locations under the Provigo, Provigo Le Marche, and Maxi banners.
The news source went on to note that there are currently four more eCascadia trucks on order for Loblaw, and the retailer aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and fully electrify its day cab fleet by the end of 2030.
As retailers evolve their transportation strategies, DMN will keep you updated with the latest developments.
