McDonald's Canada Adds First Electric Vehicle to Distribution Fleet

With its supply chain distribution partner, Martin Brower, McDonald's Canada is testing the new Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor for distribution to restaurants in the Montréal area.
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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)
The Volvo VNR Electric is delivering supplies to McDonald’s restaurants in the Montreal area and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (CNW Group/McDonald's Ca

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.

"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.
Jacques Mignault, President and CEO, McDonald's Canada

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.  

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