Volvo Trucks North America supplies Labatt Breweries with Volvo VNRs
Volvo Trucks North America recently supplied Labatt Breweries with 10 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The Canadian-based company will use the vehicles to transport its beer and ready-to-drink-beverage products from distribution centers in Montreal and Bois-des-Filion throughout Montreal and along the north shore of the city.
“We have seen increasing demand for battery-electric vehicles in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, helping customers make progress toward their decarbonization goals by adopting BEVs,” Matthew Blackman, managing director for Canada, Volvo Trucks North America, said. “We are proud to support Labatt’s leadership in sustainable transportation solutions and their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact with these zero-tailpipe emission trucks.”
Labatt’s trucks have a four-battery configuration for a range of up to 230 miles on a single charge and will operate daily on routes of 31-68 miles. Labatt developed onsite charging infrastructure at its distribution centers for the VNRs.
See also: Volvo Trucks launches On Demand EV adoption service
GSH Camions Volvo Montreal, one of Volvo’s certified electric vehicle dealers, led driver training so that Labatt’s employees could maximize range on their vehicles. GSH also helped Labatt handle funding opportunities to reduce its initial investment, primarily through the Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emissions Vehicles program and Quebec’s Écocamionnage program.
“Labatt is committed to innovation and sustainability, and these Volvo VNR Electric trucks represent an additional step toward our goal of achieving net-zero emissions across our operations nationwide by 2040,” said Sarah Genetti, senior director of procurement and sustainability at Labatt Breweries of Canada. “We believe in leading change and investing in technologies that create long-term value for our customers, the environment, and the communities we serve.”
As of July 2024, Labatt also employs its first zero-emission mobile repair service truck from Lion Electric. Operated by Labatt mechanics, the mobile repair truck provides a range of roadside assistance services that include mechanical adjustments, battery boosts, tire repairs, fuel delivery, and replacement parts. The truck also handles repairs for truck-mounted forklifts, which are commonly used in customer deliveries, ensuring comprehensive support for Labatt's delivery operations.
