Three electric semi-trucks are on the job in British Columbia, Canada, for Walmart. It’s the first step toward Walmart Canada’s plan to have 100 percent of its fleet alternatively powered.

Freightliner eCascadia Models

The semi-trucks are Freightliner eCascadia models. These trucks are all-electric, and Walmart says each can travel approximately 248 miles on a charge. According to the official Freightliner eCascadia specs, the tandem-drive trucks have a max GCW of 82,000 pounds. Tandem drive trucks offer a choice of 425 or 470 horsepower and come equipped with a pair of Detroit eAxles. These axles integrate an electric motor, transmission, and specialized electronics within a compact unit. The eCascadia can be charged at up to 180 kW with single port charging and up to 270 kW with dual port charging. Walmart says that it plans to use its electric semi-trucks to travel approximately 68,000 miles annually.

The Semi-Trucks are Based in Surrey

The three electric semi-trucks will operate out of Walmart Canada’s grocery distribution center in Surrey. This location serves as a dedicated hub for the company’s alternative-powered fleet. Additionally, the company says that the electric semi-trucks will eliminate the use of over 26,000 gallons of fuel each year. “Putting our first electric semi-trucks on the road in British Columbia is an important milestone in our regenerative efforts as we do our part to reduce Walmart Canada’s carbon footprint. The introduction of three electric semi-trucks at our Surrey distribution centre is just the first step towards our ambition of a 100% alternatively powered fleet and we look forward to continuing our journey,” said Aaron Ritter, Director, Transportation.

Welcomed by the Mayor of Surrey

The Mayor of the City of Surrey weighed in on the new electric semi-trucks. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key to battling climate change. While there has been an uptake in electric cars for personal use, industry has been lagging in making the shift to electric vehicles. Walmart Canada is changing that with their new electric fleet of trucks,” said Mayor Brenda Locke, City of Surrey. “I am very pleased that the first phase of Walmart Canada’s electric fleet will have Surrey as its homebase. We commend Walmart Canada in taking the lead to transition their vehicles to clean electric power. I look forward to seeing the electric trucks on the roads of Surrey and hope to see even more of them as Walmart Canada adds to their electric fleet.”

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada has a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide. These stores serve over 1.5 million customers per day. Additionally, Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, walmart.ca, is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. Furthermore, Walmart Canada has over 100,000 associates, which makes the company one of Canada’s larges employers. Finally, the company is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands.

Photos by Walmart Canada and Freightliner