Loblaw, a Canadian retailer, has introduced its first heavy-duty fully electric truck in its efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
With the launch of its first heavy-duty fully electric transport truck, Loblaw, one of Canada’s leading grocery chains, has taken its first net-zero carbon step. The battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia, built by Daimler Truck North America, is one of five trucks that Loblaw wants to use in the near future. It is the first eCascadia in series production to be delivered to a customer in Canada.
The first electric truck will serve Loblaw’s Provigo and Maxi stores in the Greater Montreal Area, making daily runs between Loblaw’s distribution centre in Boucherville, Quebec, and the retail outlets. The trucks are expected to cover up to 370 kilometers per charge while hauling up to 82,000 pounds (37 tonnes) of gradually diminishing gross weight, and will return to the Boucherville distribution centre’s new charging station to recharge daily.
“It’s no secret that vehicle decarbonisation is central to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and we want to lead in the adoption of this new technology,” said Brian Springer, VP, National Transport Operations at Loblaw. “For nearly two years, we’ve piloted different vehicles across various parts of our business, and we’re excited to roll-out a solution that works.”
The deployment of electric trucks is part of Loblaw’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, which is a key component of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and efforts to combat climate change. Loblaw has completed over 250 projects in the past year to reduce its carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
“Retailers like Loblaw have big ambitions to decarbonise the thousands of trucks that transport the food Canadians grow and consume every day. This first battery electric Cascadia in the hand of a Canadian customer marks an important milestone to move the industry toward a more sustainable, safe and efficient future,” said David Carson, SVP of Sales and Marketing at DTNA. “The vision we share and leadership in our respective industries is helping to pave the way to carbon neutrality and an unprecedented transformation.”
The Freightliner eCascadia is designed for short-haul routes that allow for depot-based charging. Extensive development and testing have resulted in a powerful and efficient electric truck with multiple battery and drive axle options, providing a typical range of up to 370km depending on vehicle configurations. With a maximum battery capacity of nearly 440kWh, the truck can recharge 80 percent of its battery in approximately 90 minutes, making it a time-efficient option for the industry. The eCascadia also prioritises safety, with features such as Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist 5 and the industry-first Active Side Guard Assist (ASGA), which detects moving cyclists or pedestrians on the passenger side of the truck to mitigate the risk of accidents, especially in urban environments.
