Holiday shopping season is upon us, and one of America’s biggest retailers has revealed plans to go green with deliveries.
Walmart announced a partnership with all-electric self-driving car company Cruise on a new pilot in Scottsdale, AZ that launches early in 2021. When customers in that area order items from their local Walmart, they will be able to choose a contact-free delivery from one of Cruise’s cars.
Cruise’s fleet is all-electric and powered by 100% renewable energy. Walmart’s partnership with the car company supports its journey (or long road trip) to reach zero emissions by 2040.
Walmart has been testing autonomous delivery and transport for years, piloting an air drone grocery delivery service, COVID-19 test deliveries by drone, and a self-driving shuttle.
“Technology that has the potential to not only save customers time and money but also is helpful to the planet is technology we want to learn more about,” writes Tom Ward, SVP of Customer Product for Walmart US.