The purchase of the 10 Volvo VNR electric trucks is an expansion of Martin Brower’s original 2022 EV pilot

Martin Brower is adding 10 new Volvo VNR electric trucks to its fleet to serve McDonald’s restaurants in two provinces.

The supply chain solutions provider will deploy seven electric trucks in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and three in Montreal.

“After two years with the battery-electric Volvo VNR tractor on the road, we are pleased to see more electric vehicles added to the fleet serving McDonald’s restaurants in the trial areas, as we work towards our global pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Hope Bentley, head of supply chain for McDonald’s Canada, in a press release.

“Even though customers won’t notice any difference in their favourite order, McDonald’s is taking action behind the scenes to help make an impact in the communities we serve, for the planet we share.”

Building on pilot success

Martin Brower already operates one electric Volvo VNR truck at its Baie d’Urfé distribution centre near Montreal. The truck, which was part of a 2022 pilot project, has been making deliveries to McDonald’s restaurants in the area.

Martin Brower and McDonald’s wanted “to assess the heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle’s ability to handle routine routes and large product loads,” according to company materials.

Neither Martin Brower or McDonald’s gives specific information about the pilot outcome. However, the inference from the order of 10 new electric trucks is that it was a success.

“It’s a testament to the performance and reliability of the Volvo VNR Electric that these global leaders are choosing to scale their trial of battery-electric vehicles where feasible,” writes Matthew Blackman, managing director for Canada at Volvo Trucks North America.

Camions Volvo Montreal will service Martin Brower’s electric trucks at the Baie d’Urfé distribution centre. The electric trucks operating in the GTA will get maintenance service from Vision Truck Group.