GREENSBORO, NC - One of the major players in the grocery world has taken a pivotal step forward in strengthening its growth strategy. Albertsons , in partnership with Volvo Trucks North America, recently completed deliveries with two Volvo VNR Electric trucks at its distribution center in Irvine, California, making it one of the first commercial 100 percent zero-emission grocery delivery operations with a Class 8 truck in the U.S.
“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, 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 Electric models from Volvo Trucks North America are the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric Class 8 trucks to be used in Albertsons’ company-wide fleet, according to a press release. As the partnership between the two companies continues, the trucks will be used to serve Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in Southern California. Additionally, Albertsons has acquired electric-powered transport refrigeration units from Advanced Energy Machines (AEM) to pair with the trucks.
The Southern California fleet, made up entirely of trucks manufactured by Volvo Trucks, covers 335 stores in the region, running from the Central Coast to the California-Mexico border.
“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, Volvo Trucks North America. “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.”
Currently, Albertsons Companies operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks across the country, all of which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SwartWay program as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards.
Increasing sustainability across its transportation methods is just one of the ways in which Albertsons is reducing its environmental impact. The company has introduced sustainability goals across all sectors of its operations, with a science-based target to reduce carbon emmissions. In order to meet the carbon reduction goal, Albertsons will continue to utilize cutting-edge technology and implement energy-efficient projects.
The Volvo 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 Volvo Trucks North America, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), and 12 other organizations to develop a robust support ecosystem to battery-electric trucks and equipment into the North American transport industry.
“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 maximize vehicle uptime, TEC equipment, Volvo Trucks’ largest West Cost dealership and LIGHT project partner, will provide maintenance and repairs. TEC Equipment, as well as dealers throughout the Western U.S., will receive continued battery-electric vehicle support and access to expert knowledge about the VNR Electric model with the addition of a new Volvo Trucks training facility in Hayward, California.
“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, TEC Equipment. “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.”
The Volvo LIGHTS project was made possible through an award from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of the California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide initiative that puts Cap-and-Trade dollars to use reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.
“California is committed to investing in programs that help businesses make the switch to zero-emission vehicles and grow the market for these technologies,” said CARB Board Member Gideon Kracov. “I commend Albertsons for taking meaningful steps to reduce air pollution in California communities adjacent to its distribution centers and transportation corridors.”
As Albertsons continues to make strides toward its carbon reduction goals, how will it innovate across its company sectors? Stick with AndNowUKnow for answers.
