The Volvo VNR Electric's presence on America's roads continues to expand.
Volvo Trucks North America, Volvo Financial Services (VFS), and Quality Custom Distribution Services (QCD), a Golden State Foods company, have announced a collaboration on the largest deployment of the Volvo VNR Electric to date to support last-mile food and beverage deliveries in California.
QCD's fleet already consists of 700 Class 8 tractors, of which over half are Volvo VNRs and VNLs. It bought 14 VNR Electrics in 2021 for its Southern California operations that were delivered over a two-year period with the last four units scheduled to arrive by the end of this year. Concurrently, QCD added 30 more VNR Electrics for its Los Angeles operations. All trucks are serviced locally by TEC Equipment, a Volvo Trucks certified dealer.
[Related: Volvo's Certified EV dealer network expands again]
“By financing both the trucks and the necessary charging infrastructure, VFS is helping customers like QCD make a seamless transition to zero-tailpipe emission transportation,” said Charles Carter, vice president, services & solutions, Volvo Financial Services. “This unique, holistic approach simplifies electric vehicle adoption and supports long-term operational success.”
The VNR Electrics in QCD's fleet include both four- and six-battery configurations, with ranges up to 230 and 275 miles, respectively. Thanks to the trucks' fast-charging capabilities, an 80 percent charge is possible in only 60 to 90 minutes. These trucks continue to run routes daily serving restaurants and cafes in the LA area.
[Related: Volvo's VNR electric hits operational milestone]
QCD also recently teamed up with Shell Recharge Solutions to install an eight permanent charging stations at its distribution center in Fontana instead of relying solely on the mobile charges it set up.
“Integrating and expanding Volvo VNR Electric trucks into our Southern California operations reflects QCD's ongoing commitment to sustainable logistics,” said Shane Blanchette, group vice president, logistics, QCD. “These trucks, paired with the state-of-the-art charging network, enhance our ability to deliver responsibly to our customers every day of the year.”
Back in 2021, VFS was awarded over $3.9 million from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) via its Inland Ports Program. Thanks to this, QCD's VNR Electrics' operating costs were reduced with lower lease rates, thus enabling the trucks to become cost-competitive with their diesel counterparts.
[Related: Volvo Trucks delivers 70 VNR Electrics thanks to $21.5 million fund]
