CN launches pilot project using electric trucks

CN has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The Lion Electric Co. for the concept, design and manufacturing of electric trucks as part of the Class I's strategy to reduce emissions.

Terms of the MOU were not disclosed.

The eight tandem axle, Class 8, zero-emission electric trucks will be deployed in cities across CN's network including Vancouver and the Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton areas, according to a CN press release.

The vehicles will be tested for different tasks from urban delivery, container shuttle service, to port operations and cross-town service. They are custom-built and engineered in Quebec to withstand North American weather and road conditions.

Additionally, the trucks will produce no noise pollution and each will remove 100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

"By using these zero-emission trucks in different settings, we want to identify where these trucks can make the most impact on how we serve our customers and reduce our emissions," said Mark Lerner, CN's vice president of marketing and business development. "Over the last 25 years, CN has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its locomotives by 40 percent and we are constantly looking for innovative ways to continue down that path."

Delivery of the trucks is expected in summer 2020.