Michigan-based Meijer, which operates a fleet of 250 semi trucks and was the first in North America to implement the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 near-zero emissions standards in 2009, is deploying two of the first all-electric tractor trailers outside of California, the company announced.
In another of the company’s recent initiatives, Meijer has struck a deal with Uber Eats to ship goods to consumer homes.
On the semi side, the retailer, with its headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, will be the first nationwide to track the performance of battery-powered Freightliner eCascadia semi trucks in a cold weather environment as part of a grant from the United States Department of Energy.
Meijer received the battery-electric trucks earlier this month. The two semis will operate from the retailer’s Lansing distribution center, which is now equipped with a specific charging infrastructure. They will make multiple deliveries daily to Meijer supercenters within a 200-mile driving range of the DC.
“Our company’s earliest beginnings were marked by doing what’s right while keeping an eye toward innovation,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said, in announcing the electric truck initiative. “That philosophy still guides us today and is exemplified by our company’s commitment to lessening our carbon footprint. We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Freightliner to pave a sustainable future for the industry.”
In other transportation-related news, Meijer is teaming with Uber to offer on-demand and scheduled grocery delivery to customers across the Midwest. The move also will solidify Uber Eats’ national expansion of grocery selection for consumers in Meijer’s market area across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Through the winter, Uber Eats customers can shop at 250 Meijer locations. Uber will feature Meijer’s stores in the Uber Eats app.
