On Thursday, Meijer revealed that it’s the first retailer to run all-electric semitrucks in cold weather conditions.
The retailer has deployed two of the first all-electric semitrucks outside of California after being the first to track the performance of the vehicles in a cold weather environment as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, according to Meijer.
"Our company's earliest beginnings were marked by doing what's right while keeping an eye toward innovation. That philosophy still guides us today and is exemplified by our company's commitment to lessening our carbon footprint," Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes said in a statement. "We're excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Freightliner to pave a sustainable future for the industry."
The two trucks will operate out of the retailer's Lansing distribution center, which is now equipped with specific charging infrastructure. They will make multiple deliveries daily to Meijer supercenters within a 200-mile trip range.
"As one of the first in the nation to deploy all electric semitrucks, Meijer is doing their part to preserve our pure Michigan natural resources while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs and setting a powerful example for companies everywhere,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in a statement. “I look forward to building on our partnership with Meijer to grow Michigan's economy and build a state where everyone can envision their future."
In other Meijer delivery news, Uber has partnered with the retailer to offer on-demand and scheduled grocery delivery to customers across the Midwest.
Meijer’s partnership with Uber Eats facilitates the company’s national expansion of its consumer grocery selection across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Around 250 Meijer locations are now available to shop through Uber and Uber Eats.
"Meijer is known for freshness—fresh food, fresh thinking and a focus on innovation makes them a natural partner for Uber," says Christian Freese, Uber's head of grocery and new verticals across the U.S. and Canada, in a statement. "We're thrilled to be bringing their fresh selection to Uber and Uber Eats across much of the country, and to be working together to deliver must-have groceries to America's doorsteps, just in time for the holidays."
Related: Uber Eats, Cartken Partner on Robot Delivery; Grubhub, Kiwibot Partner on Campus Delivery