Giant Food goes EV with latest delivery trucks

Giant Food has added an electric dimension to its Giant Delivers grocery delivery fleet.

Landover, Md.-based Giant said yesterday that two new fully electric step-vans have joined its 128 vehicles making daily deliveries to customers throughout its market area, encompassing Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

The supermarket chain, part of Ahold Delhaize USA, noted that the multi-stop electric vehicles can cover 105 miles on one charge out of its Hanover, Md., warehouse, omitting fuel stops during their daily deliveries.

Giant said the deployment stems from a grant awarded by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Clean Fuels Incentive Program, which is aimed at creating a cleaner and greener transportation sector in Maryland and improving the state’s economy and environment in the process. The first two EVs mark the next stage in Giant’s commitment to making a positive environmental impact, and the regional grocer said it plans to transition more all-electric vehicles over the next several years.

“Cleaner transportation is part of Giant’s larger sustainability efforts and commitment to supporting the local environment,” Joe Urban, vice president of distribution operations at Giant Food, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring these vehicles into our Giant Delivers fleet and kick off the transition to all-electric delivery.”

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The two vans were purchased from Motiv Power Systems, a San Francisco Bay-based  provide of medium-duty, all-electric trucks and buses engineered and made in the United States. The vehicles produce zero emissions and provide quieter operation, while still providing the same grocery storage capacity, according to Giant. Over their lifetime, the vehicles are expected to displace over 210,000 gallons of petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63%.

“We are thrilled to represent another EV milestone through our Clean Fuels Incentive Program for Maryland,” commented MEA Director Mary Beth Tung. “As we continue to cement our standing as a transportation electrification leader, we know that supporting the deployment of fleet electric vehicles reduces our reliance on foreign petroleum and emissions, while also lowering operating costs for businesses.”

Overall, Giant operates 164 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, including 152 pharmacies, 92 PNC Banks and 26 Starbucks locations. Giant fits all the ways today's busy customers want to shop - whether in store or online. Its market area also includes 159 Giant Pickup sites and Giant Delivers service available through all locations.

Related:Giant Food makes online grocery pickup a free service