Canada’s largest grocery chain, Loblaw, has announced they have expanded their electric semi testing program to British Columbia.
As part of their plan to shift their trucking fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, the company first trialed Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia in Ontario last year.
Over the next three months the electric truck will be tested on routes in and around the South Surrey area just outside of Vancouver.
The trucks typically travel between 160km to 250km (100 to 155 miles) on their routes, carrying grocery and other retail products from the company’s distribution center to stores. That will be more than enough for the truck’s rated range of 400km on a full charge.
“With approximately 10,000 deliveries to and from our stores each week, we understand the impact our fleet has on the environment. We know that through our own actions, we can play a critical role in helping Canada reach its carbon reduction targets. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with our partners to reach our goal of fully electrifying our corporate fleet by 2030. Our partnership with the Daimler Trucks North America’s eMobility group is an important piece in that overall commitment,” said Brian Springer, Vice President, Transport Operations, Loblaw Companies Limited.
Data gathered during the trial will be analyzed by DTNA which will be used to help the company’s continual development of their electric trucks.
“As always, collaboration with our customers is critical to understanding how commercial battery electric trucks will be part of a long-term solution in CO2-neutral transportation. We are excited for Loblaw’s trial and for feedback that aids in the purposeful innovation of our electric vehicles,” said David Carson, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Daimler Trucks North America.
