Giant pilots electric delivery vehicles
The Giant Company is launching an effort to fulfill online customer deliveries with all-electric vehicles.
The mid-Atlantic grocery retailer is adding four electric vehicles to its delivery fleet serving the greater Philadelphia market. The electric vans will fulfill customer deliveries for its Giant Direct online delivery and pickup platform while reducing the company’s environmental footprint. According to Giant, it will save nearly 9,000 gallons of gas each year with the new vehicles.
[Read more: Giant Food Stores debuts new concept for online delivery]
The electric vehicles are the first to be part of The Giant Company’s 164-vehicle fleet and can travel 108 miles per charge. According to Giant, their zero-tailpipe emission, combined with their avoidance of gasoline, will prevent 171,963 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Over the next few years, Giant plans to introduce more all-electric vehicles to its fleet. The electric vehicle pilot is part of the company’s broader sustainability efforts. Since 2018, Giant has partnered with PDI Sustainable Solutions to implement a reduced emission program to reduce its carbon footprint.
Every time a fuel station at a Giant or Martin’s store is utilized, the program invests in sustainable efforts like reforestation, solar power, and wind power to offset tailpipe emissions up to 30%.
“Fulfilling our purpose of connecting families for a better future means taking action today to create a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow,” said Daren Russ, VP, omnichannel operations, The Giant Company. “The addition of electric vehicles is an economic and environmental investment that saves fuel costs and time while avoiding harmful emissions. Electric vehicles are a tool to strengthen the environment in the communities we serve and part of our commitment to healing our planet.”
“Electric vehicles are part of The Giant Company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability,” said Tracy Horsfield, manager, e-commerce, The Giant Company. “We continue to partner with sustainability leaders to reduce and offset emissions at every level of our supply chain. Together, we are taking action and forging partnerships to create healthier communities for generations to come.”
Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Pa., The Giant Company portfolio of brands includes Giant, Martin’s, Giant Heirloom Market, Giant Direct, and Martin’s Direct. The Giant Company is a division of Ahold Delhaize USA operating 193 stores, 132 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and over 180 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey.