Marking a decisive transition toward a sustainable future, Coke Canada Bottling Limited unveiled its first Volvo VNR Electric trucks during a celebration of its fifth anniversary. This initiative showcases the brand’s Toward a Better Future Together environmental sustainability plan, emphasizing a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
These electric vehicles, launched within the Greater Montreal Area, form part of a six-truck pilot program designed to rejuvenate the company’s esteemed ‘Red Fleet’ delivery routes. Significantly, Coke Canada Bottling stands as the pioneering Canadian food and beverage manufacturer to infuse its delivery fleet with electric Class 8 trucks.
With aspirations to cut carbon emissions from direct sources and energy supplies by an impressive 46.2% by 2030, the company’s foray into electric mobility speaks volumes. Such ambitious initiatives seamlessly blend with their other eco-conscious ventures, like electrifying light-duty service vehicles and exploring alternative fuel avenues.
The grand showcase took place at Coke Canada Bottling’s distribution center situated in east Montreal, serving as both a launch pad for the trucks and a fifth-year commemoration. This facility, with its robust fleet of 650 heavy-duty vehicles, caters to a diverse clientele spread across the region. The event resonated with enthusiasm, giving employees firsthand experiences with the electric trucks and allowing stakeholders to demonstrate robust support.
Expressing his optimism, Peter Voorhoeve, President of Volvo Trucks North America, highlighted the synergy between the two corporations on the sustainability front. “The deployment of the first battery-electric Volvo VNR Electric trucks at their fifth birthday celebration demonstrates the importance of pursuing environmental sustainability goals, which benefit the community and employees at every level,” Voorhoeve mentioned.
Reflecting on the company’s trajectory, Todd Parsons, CEO at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited, emphasized the symbolic significance of this undertaking. “ Piloting the electrification of some of our ‘Red Fleet’, an iconic presence on the roads of our country, underscores our ambition to be the leading beverage partner in Canada by earning our social license to operate, and we are immensely proud to partner with Volvo Trucks on this initiative,” Parsons elaborated.
The newly introduced electric trucks feature a six-battery setup, capable of covering up to 440 km on a single charge, perfectly tailored for the company’s daily delivery operations. Supporting this fleet, three 150 kW DC chargers stationed at the Montreal Distribution Center guarantee efficient charging, allowing the trucks to attain an 80% charge within a mere 90 minutes.
To ensure seamless electromobility, the Volvo Trucks dealership, certified for electric vehicles, pledges unwavering support. This encompasses comprehensive sales and service training for the dealership team, complemented by potential financial incentives to mitigate the electric trucks’ cost.
From a financial standpoint, Coke Canada Bottling tapped into both federal and provincial incentives, notably the Écocamionnage and iMHZEV Program funding, making the acquisition of the Volvo VNR Electric trucks feasible.
This significant move reiterates the company’s staunch commitment to environmental responsibility, creating a ripple effect across the beverage industry.
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