Canada Logistics Firm Adds Electric Trucks, Cuts 320 Tons CO₂

Canadian logistics company GLS just proved that electric heavy-duty trucks can handle freezing winters while slashing emissions.

The freight carrier deployed four Orange EV electric terminal tractors at facilities in Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg. These Class 8 yard trucks move trailers around loading docks and warehouses, a job typically done by diesel vehicles that idle for hours daily.

Each electric truck will eliminate between 80 and 90 tons of carbon dioxide compared to its diesel predecessor. That means GLS's four new vehicles will cut roughly 320 tons of emissions annually, equivalent to taking about 70 cars off the road.

The electric trucks are already proving their reliability in harsh Canadian conditions. Orange EV reports that its fleet maintains 97 to 99% uptime across more than 12 million operating hours, matching or beating diesel performance.

"We are proud to integrate four Orange EV electric shunters into our fleet," said Mélanie Camara, GLS's Director of Sustainability. The investment aligns with science-based emissions targets and demonstrates the company's commitment to cleaner operations for employees, customers, and communities.

Terminal tractors represent a sweet spot for electrification. They operate in predictable patterns within limited areas, making charging simple and reliable. Major companies like DHL have successfully used electric yard trucks for over a decade, paving the way for broader adoption.

Roberto Bragagnolo, Orange EV's Canada Director, emphasized the broader significance. "GLS is proving what fleets across Canada are realizing: electric yard trucks can deliver in harsh climates, meet operational demands, and advance corporate sustainability goals simultaneously," he said.

The Ripple Effect

This deployment signals a turning point for Canadian freight logistics. Terminal tractors number in the thousands across the country, and switching them to electric power could eliminate millions of tons of emissions while improving air quality around warehouses and distribution centers where workers spend their days.

The success in Canada's challenging winter climate removes a major barrier for companies elsewhere considering the switch. If electric trucks can handle Winnipeg winters, they can work almost anywhere.

The partnership between GLS and Orange EV shows how collaboration between logistics companies and clean tech manufacturers can accelerate meaningful climate progress without sacrificing operational efficiency.

Canada's freight sector is proving that going green doesn't mean going slow.