Canadian restaurant operator Tim Hortons recently took delivery of its first two Volvo VNR Electric trucks, which will transport food and beverages from two distribution centers to Tim Hortons establishments.
With nearly 4,000 restaurants, Tim Hortons is the country’s largest quick-service operator.
“Today, as we celebrate the deployment of these cutting-edge electric vehicles into the company’s fleet, we are confident that the positive impact on both its drivers and employees will be felt for years to come,” Peter Voorhoeve, Volvo Trucks North America president, said in a news release. “This marks a significant stride toward a sustainable future, and we are honored to be a part of Tim Hortons’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.”
The two zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles are the first Class 8 battery-electric trucks in Tim Hortons’ fleet and will support the company’s sustainability goals while operating out of distribution centers in Guelph, Ontario, and Langley, British Columbia.
The trucks will run daily routes of 150 to 200 kilometers (93-124 miles), the companies reported. Volvo’s VNR Electric Class 8 tractors feature a six-battery configuration, which can cover up to 440 kilometers (273 miles) on a single charge and obtain an 80% charge in as little as 90 minutes, making electrification more viable for a range of local and regional fleet operations, Volvo maintained.
“As part of our ‘Tims For Good’ sustainability platform, we’re always working on developing better solutions for how we serve our millions of guests each and every day,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “We’re really excited to now have one of the first electric transport trucks of its kind on the road here in Canada and another coming very soon. Each electric truck is expected to travel up to 100,000 kilometers (62,137 miles) per year while producing zero tailpipe emissions and reduce our use of more than 25,000 liters (6,604 gallons) of diesel fuel per vehicle annually.”
The VNR Electric deployed in Guelph will be supported by Expressway Trucks in Ontario, the first Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer in Ontario. The truck deployed in Langley will be supported by Pacific Coast Heavy Trucks Group, the first Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer in B.C. Both dealerships worked with Tim Hortons to identify the ideal VNR Electric configuration and routes to ensure the battery-electric trucks meet operational needs.
