McDonald's Canada Adds First Electric Vehicle to Distribution Fleet
An electric vehicle (EV) has made its debut in the McDonald's Canada 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 center 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, Ontario, later this year.
An Opportunity to Recharge
McDonald's Canada test of EVs in its distribution fleet coincides with other restaurants embracing EVs and sustainability. Three Tim Hortons quick service restaurant locations in Canada are slated to add TurnOnGreen's Level 3 electric vehicle chargers.
Here in the US, Starbucks is also making a move into EV charging. According to MotorTrend, Volvo plans to install up to 60 Volvo-branded DC fast chargers powered by ChargePoint in at least 15 Starbucks locations. The charging network will cover a 1,350-mile route from the Denver area to Starbucks headquarters in Seattle.