Dive Brief:
- R&M Trucking is carrying out local and regional deliveries at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago using a VNR Electric truck through Volvo on Demand, according to a March 26 press release.
- Volvo on Demand is a truck-as-a-service subscription that allows companies to use battery-electric trucks without purchasing them outright. The process helps R&M Trucking limit its upfront investment, while still adopting zero emissions technology in its operations.
- “Volvo on Demand is designed to remove barriers to adopting battery-electric trucks by offering a flexible, all-inclusive service model,” Logan Andrew, eMobility territory finance manager East for Volvo Financial Services, said in the release.
Dive Insight:
Many of R&M Trucking's customers are looking for logistics partners that can help with supply chain sustainability goals. Through Volvo on Demand, the company could quickly start using electric trucks while having flexibility on future electromobility decisions, per the release.
“This deployment helps R&M Trucking integrate electric trucks into its fleet in a way that makes business sense—minimizing upfront capital investment while providing predictable operational costs,” Andrew said.
The Illinois-based company will operate a 6x4 tractor with a six-battery configuration and a range of up to 275 miles. The tractor can also achieve an 80 percent charge in about 90 minutes, according to the release.
R&M Trucking will install infrastructure at its warehouse to support overnight charging for the Volvo VNR Electric truck.
The company has a fleet of 300 trucks that range from Class 6 to Class 8 and makes daily runs of about 70 to 100 miles from the airport to surrounding Chicago suburbs.
“The Volvo VNR Electric truck is well-suited for urban deliveries because its near-silent operation and zero-tailpipe emissions are ideal for deliveries in residential areas and busy city streets,” according to the release.
