Albertsons' Electric Trucks Hit the Streets

Albertsons accomplished what officials are calling the nation’s first zero-emission commercial grocery delivery on May 31 when a sleek new electric refrigerated tractor-trailer quietly backed into a loading dock at an Albertsons store in Irvine, Calif.

The vehicle was one of two Volvo VNR electric trucks the Boise, Idaho-based company has welcomed to its fleet and was paired with an electric-powered refrigeration trailer from Advance Energy Machines. The combination enabled Albertsons to make the first commercial 100% zero-emission grocery delivery with a Class 8 truck in the U.S., and represents an exciting step toward achieving the company’s sustainability goals, Albertsons and Volvo said in a release.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Albertsons Cos. as they begin their journey toward fleet electrification and achieve this momentous accomplishment of a fully zero-emission grocery delivery,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Albertsons’ commitment to corporate sustainability is demonstrated by the steps it is taking to reduce its carbon footprint in its stores and fleet. We are confident that the Volvo VNR Electrics Albertsons is deploying in Southern California will enable the company to not only reduce its emissions, but to make reliable daily deliveries to its grocery stores throughout the region.”

Albertsons operates 1,400 Class 8 trucks nationwide, all of which are certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay program as meeting high transportation sustainability and efficiency standards. The all-Volvo Southern California fleet covers 335 stores in the region.

“The partnership Albertsons has built with Volvo Trucks has enabled our fleet to be on the forefront of innovation and to demonstrate our leadership in sustainable transportation,” said Tim Burke, VP of transportation for Albertsons Cos. “We look forward to operating Volvo VNR Electric trucks in our Southern California routes, as they will not only help improve air quality in the communities in which we operate, but the quiet motors will also provide a better working environment for our drivers and grocery store staff.”

Albertsons said its emissions reduction target will include direct operations and value chain in order to support the goals of the United Nations’ Paris Agreement and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.