Walmart is moving ahead with initiatives that move it closer to goals regarding delivery and healthcare operations, including initial operation of what is to become an electric vehicle fleet.
Within two weeks of signing an agreement to purchase 4,500 vehicles, Walmart InHome launched advanced deliveries to finalize the unique configuration for its Canoo Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles order, centered on a real-world 7-days-a-week delivery program in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
InHome delivery is an optional benefit that Walmart+ members can add, one offering unlimited delivery from the retailer’s stores to the front door, the garage or the kitchen.
The LDV is built on Canoo’s proprietary multi-purpose platform architecture that integrates the motor, battery module, critical driving components and proprietary flat leaf spring suspension, the manufacturer noted. The platform is the foundation for all Canoo vehicles and enables more usable space for the cabin and cargo area, it added. Canoo designed the LDV for high-frequency stop-and-go deliveries and rapid vehicle-to-door drop-off for food or general merchandise products. Canoo customized the vehicles to Walmart-specific use-case at competitive per stop economics. As such, the modular design and 120 cubic feet of cargo volume are adaptable to evolve with Walmart’s business strategy including a focus on becoming a regenerative zero emissions company by 2040.
“It’s been awesome to work with Walmart’s highly experienced team to rapidly deploy our LDV’s in real-world use cases to finalize a configuration for Walmart,” said Tony Aquila, investor, chairman and CEO at Canoo. “Our LDV has been engineered to enable a wide range of package deliveries, including refrigerated items, groceries and general merchandise, and do it efficiently, emission-free and with a high level of driver comfort and ergonomics. And we have been turning a lot of heads in the neighborhoods when driving by in our uniquely identifiable vehicles.”
In addition, Walmart has struck a deal that furthers its initiative to expand in the healthcare and support space.
Walmart is working with Llena (AI) Health Solutions to provide personalized grocery recommendations on its Digital Diabetes Management Platform. Llena users can now browse and purchase personalized food choices from Walmart featured in Llena’s Cook it Yourself Module. Proprietary artificial intelligence creates an individualized glycemic index value meal suggestion based on blood sugar, blood pressure and other preferences. Under the deal, Llena users get personalized food recommendations that suit their needs, then can pick up or receive delivery of the necessary groceries from Walmart.
