What’s Happening: Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited (Coke Canada Bottling) has announced its purchase of six Volvo VNR Electric trucks as part of a pilot program to service its ‘Red Fleet’ customer delivery routes in the Greater Montreal Area. The six trucks are the first Class 8 battery-electric vehicles in the beverage distributor’s fleet, which comprises 650 heavy-duty vehicles serving the region. Coke Canada Bottling will receive the six Volvo VNR Electric trucks throughout 2023.
Why It Matters: Coke Canada Bottling is the first Canadian food and beverage manufacturer to utilize zero-tailpipe emission trucks. The move aligns with the company’s Toward a Better Future Together environmental sustainability action plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from direct sources and supplied energy by 46.2% by 2030.
Key Points:
- The 6×4 Volvo VNR Electric trucks will contribute to Coke Canada Bottling’s carbon emission reduction goals.
- The company is also exploring fuel efficiencies through electrification and the use of alternative fuel sources, including light-duty electric service vehicles and B20 biofuels.
- A Demo Day took place on April 13, allowing delivery drivers to test drive the new battery-electric trucks and learn about optimizing the vehicle’s range.
- The battery-electric fleet features a six-battery configuration capable of covering up to 440 km (275 miles) on a single charge.
- Coke Canada Bottling is installing three 150 kW DC chargers with nine dispensers at its Montreal distribution center to support the battery-electric fleet.
Bottom Line: Coca-Cola Canada Bottling’s acquisition of six Volvo VNR Electric trucks for its iconic ‘Red Fleet’ marks a significant step toward the company’s environmental sustainability goals. The pilot program serves as a milestone for the Canadian food and beverage industry, and the partnership with Volvo Trucks is expected to pave the way for further expansion of the electromobility transition in years to come.
