McLane Company takes delivery of Volvo VNR Electric trucks

Leading U.S. supply chain services provider McLane Company is taking delivery of three Volvo VNR Electric trucks to provide zero-emissions deliveries in Southern California. (Photo: Volvo Trucks)

McLane Company, a leading U.S. supply chain services provider, is taking delivery of three VNR Electric trucks from Volvo Trucks North America for use in Southern California. The trucks will be the first Class 8 electric tractors used by McLane and will operate on highways and city streets throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area transporting products to customers, including convenience and grocery stores.

McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, buying, selling and delivering more than 50000 different consumer products to nearly 110000 locations across the U.S. Its operations include one of the country’s largest private fleets.

The VNR Electric trucks that McLane is integrating into the fleet have an operational range of up to 275 miles. To optimize energy efficiency, they are equipped with Volvo Trucks’ adaptive loading system, which automatically switches between 6x2 and 4x2 drive-axle configurations using a forward axle that lifts tires off the ground when a trailer is empty, nearly empty or carrying a light load.

“We are excited to add these new battery-electric tractors to our fleet,” said Tony Frankenberger, chief executive officer, McLane Company. “McLane is committed to improving the communities we serve and to exemplify the innovation and leadership needed to help our customers meet sustainability goals with the adoption of zero tailpipe emission battery-electric vehicles.”

The VNR Electric trucks have an operational range of up to 275 miles and will be supported a 62.5 kW charging infrastructure that includes two ChargePoint Express 250 Stations. (Photo: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks’ national accounts electromobility team consulted with McLane to determine optimal routes for the VNR Electric trucks based on vehicle range, ideal charging opportunities and duty cycle. McLane has installed a 62.5 kW charging infrastructure to support the vehicles, including two ChargePoint Express 250 Stations.

TEC Equipment’s Fontana location will be the servicing dealer, performing all scheduled maintenance with specialty trained technicians and maintaining an inventory of parts and components.

“McLane is a dedicated environmental partner supporting its customers in their sustainability goals and aligning well with Volvo Trucks’ own commitment to quieter cities, cleaner air, and efficient, sustainable transport,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. “The adoption of battery-electric trucks continues to expand in Southern California and our dealer partner TEC Equipment has been invaluable in providing support to customers as they begin their electromobility journey.”

The three trucks are part of the SWITCH-ON project, which includes $21.7 million in grants to deploy 70 VNR Electric trucks in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage.