Canadian grocery giant Loblaw has expanded its commitment to sustainable transportation by deploying 10 new battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 trucks in Vancouver, adding to its existing fleet of four electric semis in the Greater Montreal Area.
Wayne Scott, senior director of maintenance at Loblaw Companies Ltd., highlighted Vancouver's prioritization of green initiatives as a key factor in selecting the city for the deployment. The new electric trucks, delivered late last month, are now fully operational, serving Vancouver and British Columbia, according to Electrek.
Promoting Clean Energy
Presently, Loblaw has 14 eCascadias plus 25 Tesla Semi trucks on order. The firm aims to have a zero-emission transport fleet by 2030 to show commitment to renewable energy and corporate responsibility.
"We firmly believe that this investment will not only benefit our company but also the environment and the communities we serve," Scott said.
Loblaw's four original electric vehicles transport short-haul from distribution hubs to over 200 grocery stores, reaching 370 km per charge and carrying up to 32,000 kilograms. Charging takes place overnight at dedicated stations equipped with 180 kW ABB chargers near Coquitlam.
Electric Autonomy Canada reports Loblaw's commitment to running the electric trucks on two shifts daily, transporting shipments to and from ports, and making deliveries to stores.
Loblaw's venture into electric transportation began last spring with the introduction of the first Freightliner eCascadia truck, facilitating daily runs between its distribution center in Boucherville, Quebec, and stores in the Greater Montreal Area. Subsequently, the company announced the procurement of five Class 8 T680 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles from Kenworth, per Supermarket News.
Loblaw 50% Best-Before-Date Discount to Return
In another update, Loblaw is reconsidering its reduced discounts on best-before-date groceries. The firm will discount last-day sale products by 30 to 50% after consumer and employee input. CTV News reported that Loblaw representative Catherine Thomas noted that the 50% discount stickers will reappear in the coming weeks.
The company's move away from offering a 50% discount on perishable foods at Loblaw-owned grocery stores weeks ago has sparked concerns, particularly among seniors reliant on such discounts.
Charles Levkoe, Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems at Lakehead University, highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including black and Indigenous individuals, who rely on these Loblaw discounts for sustenance.
Critics have questioned the Loblaw decision, considering the retailer's recent efforts to stabilize grocery prices, as highlighted by Loblaw President Galen Weston Jr.'s statements to a government committee in December.
Moreover, an 11,000-member online community, "Loblaws is out of control," criticized Loblaw-affiliated retailers' high prices and Canada's declining buying power. Yahoo! News reported that the community slammed the company for hiking supermarket prices while Canadians struggle financially. Members post updates on the site about "insane prices" on cheese, poultry, home basics, and cosmetic goods like anti-bacterial wipes and razors at Loblaw grocery stores.
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