Volvo Trucks North America is ramping up its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by expanding the use of its zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks. In partnership with four carrier companies, a total of 15 battery-powered Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric trucks will transport parts and components to the New River Valley Assembly Operations (NRV) in Virginia and the Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) plant in Pennsylvania.
According to Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, “We believe in leading by example, and this project is an important part of our strategy to create a world-class, sustainable transport system.” The company is working with local carriers to improve sustainability in its supply chain and the communities where its employees live.
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So far, eight Volvo VNR Electric trucks have been deployed to the NRV in Virginia, with Watsontown Trucking Company and Camrett Logistics ordering their first Volvo VNR Electric trucks in 2021. A third carrier, Online Transport, has joined the project, further reducing emissions from the supply chain.
Each Volvo VNR Electric truck runs multiple daily routes across two shifts, taking advantage of opportunity charging during drivers’ lunch breaks and fully charging at the end of the second shift. All three fleets have installed charging infrastructure at their facilities to support the trucks.
In December 2022, Ryder System began operating seven Volvo VNR Electric trucks to transport assembly kits for heavy-duty trucks at the Mack Trucks’ kitting facility in Pennsylvania. The battery-electric trucks replaced the previous diesel trucks, furthering the Volvo Group’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions.
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Daniel Vahlberg, sourcing and commodity leader at Volvo Group Truck Operations – logistics purchasing, said, “We developed this supply chain project to reduce CO2 from our own operations. What better demonstration of the effectiveness of these trucks than having your own battery-electric trucks delivering through the entrance gates at both of the Volvo assembly plants?” The company is excited to partner with its existing fleets to create a fully sustainable supply chain circle.
