McDonald’s Canada introduces its first electric vehicle to its distribution fleet
by CM Staff
The Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor operated by Martin Brower will service restaurants in the Montréal area.
The Volvo VNR Electric, ideally suited for local and regional freight distribution, is now at work delivering supplies to McDonald’s restaurants in the Montreal area and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. (CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada)
MONTREAL — On Apr. 6, McDonald’s Canada announced the addition of the first-ever electric vehicle (EV) to its distribution fleet. With its supply chain distribution partner, Martin Brower, McDonald’s Canada will trial the new Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor for distribution to restaurants in the Montréal area.
The test of this zero-tailpipe emission tractor is part of McDonald’s Canada’s larger plan to transition to lower-emission vehicles in the supply chain fleet that serves more than 1,400 restaurants across the country, where feasible.
The trial’s outcome could see additional diesel-powered vehicles replaced with alternative-fuel vehicles for distribution in other viable Canadian markets. Globally, McDonald’s has committed to achieve net zero emissions across its operations by 2050.
Martin Brower leased the tractor, which will be based out of its distribution centre located in Montréal’s Baie d’Urfé area. The Volvo VNR Electric tractor will pull McDonald’s-branded trailers for deliveries to local McDonald’s restaurants within a range of 150 km. The trial will evaluate the tractor’s performance in a variety of weather conditions.
In addition to the Montréal trial, McDonald’s has planned another Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trial in Brampton, Ont. later in 2022.
“This trial has the potential to influence a major shift in the way we approach supply chain distribution that will bring us closer to reaching McDonald’s net zero emissions goals. Considering the potential impact the trial could have on our business and our reduction commitments, this is an extremely significant moment for the company,” said Jacques Mignault, President and CEO, McDonald’s Canada. “We’re grateful to collaborate with partners like Martin Brower and Volvo Trucks North America who share our vision, and acknowledge the support from the Québec government on this initiative.”
