LABATT INVESTS $5.47 MILLION TO EXPAND FLEET IN QUEBEC
New electric delivery trucks advances progress towards net-zero goal by 2040
MONTREAL, Nov. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada has acquired 10 new battery-powered trucks for its logistics operations in Quebec. The purchase is the largest single order of VNR Electric trucks for Volvo Trucks in Canada, representing nearly 25 per cent of their deliveries. Labatt's latest investment is in addition to the recent announcement of the purchase of it's first zero-emission mobile service repair truck for the province.
"Integrating electric trucks into our fleet marks a significant milestone for our operations and our goal to deliver beer to our customers in the most efficient way possible," said Sarah Genetti, Senior Director of Procurement and Sustainability at Labatt Breweries of Canada. "This initiative is one additional step toward our global ambition of achieving net-zero emissions across our business by 2040 and reflects our commitment to adopting innovative solutions that reduce our carbon footprint."
Labatt's $5,470,000 investment in the new electric truck fleet was supported by a $750,000 contribution from the Government of Canada through it's Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emissions Vehicles (iMHZEV) program while the Government of Quebec contributed $875,000 as part of the Écocamionnage "Part 1 – Acquisition of technologies" program.
"Electrifying transportation is a powerful way to tackle climate change," said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. "By integrating electric vehicles, companies like Labatt are taking meaningful steps to reduce their ecological footprint—efforts that deserve recognition and encouragement."
Each electric truck eliminates the emissions of approximately six conventional vehicles*. The new fleet will achieve a total reduction in emissions equivalent to that of 60 cars. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks offer a range of up to 280 km with four battery packs of 300 kWh of usable energy. They deliver a power output of 340 kWh, equating to 455hp, with a maximum torque of 4,051 lb./ft. Additionally, they feature a towing capacity of 80,000 lbs GCWR (gross combination weight rating).
At the Labatt Montreal distribution centre, where each vehicle averages 50 km daily and at the Bois-des-Filion distribution centre, where they average 110 km daily, the new electric trucks are supported by extensive onsite charging infrastructure. Montreal has three single-port and two dual-port ABB Terra 54 and Terra 124 stations, while Bois-des-Filion has one single-port and two dual-port stations. Labatt's delivery teams have received extensive training to operate the recently purchased electric battery vehicles effectively and driver feedback has been very positive, noting the ease of driving, excellent cabin visibility and the quiet operation of the trucks.
About Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of Canada's most established businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,500 employees, an unmatched portfolio of more than 70 quality products including Budweiser, Busch, Corona, Michelob ULTRA, NÜTRL and Bud Light, six key breweries and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Our employees are the driving force behind our business – brewing the world's most loved beverages, building iconic brands and creating meaningful experiences for Canadians. Through 177 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating A Future with More Cheers.
About Volvo Trucks North America
Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization.
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks' work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.
*Sources: Labatt Internal Truck Usage Data and EPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle
SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada