Volvo Trucks has pushed Albertsons Companies, the largest grocery chain in the U.S. to reach its first 100% zero emissions delivery; after the company adopted two Volvo VNR Electric trucks at its distribution center in Irvine, California.
Firstly, the VNR Electric models from Volvo Trucks North America are the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be deployed in Albertsons fleet. The ones already adopted will serve Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in Southern California.
Secondly, Albertsons on its side has procured electric-powered transport refrigeration units from Advanced Energy Machines (AEM); to pair with its Volvo VNR Electrics. Such conjunction effectively enabled Albertsons to reach its milestone of the first commercial 100% zero-emission grocery delivery; with a Class 8 truck in the U.S.
In fact, it is the first delivery of its class in the whole nation. This inaugural delivery took place on May 28, 2021; at a LEED-certified Albertsons store in Irvine, California; consequently, is a substantial step toward achieving the company’s sustainability goals.
Thirdly, Albertsons operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks nationwide. All of that fleet is indeed certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program; as it meets high transportation sustainability and also efficiency standards.
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Volvo Trucks a key element in Albertsons sustainability strategy
Moreover, particularly in California, the fleet is made up entirely of trucks manufactured by Volvo Trucks. It covers 335 stores in the region, running from the Central Coast to the California-Mexico border.
On the other hand, Albertsons maintains ambitious sustainability goals in all sectors of its operations, including energy use, plastics and packaging, and recycling and waste reduction. In fact, back in April, the company committed to an ambitious carbon emissions reduction.
In addition, such target includes the leveraging from technology, such as the Volvo VNR Electric trucks; and also, a continued expansion in energy efficiency.
Finally, Tim Burke, vice president of transportation, Albertsons, said. “We look forward to operating Volvo VNR Electric trucks in our Southern California routes; 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.”
