Burger King Corp. has transitioned 31% of its North American field team fleet to electric vehicles in 16 states, the company said this week, with the goal of 100% electric vehicles by 2030.
The Miami-based division of Toronto-headquartered Restaurants Brands International Inc. said the move would lessen the environmental impact of corporate field members, who travel more than 1,500 miles on average each month, and work toward RBI’s targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline.
“Franchisee success is the end goal of everything our field team does, and restaurant visits are critical to this partnership,” said Jeromy Gwin, Burger King’s corporate franchise business partner, in a statement. “I’m proud to work for a company that allows me to do my job in a more sustainable way.”
Burger King worked with Element Fleet Management, the automotive fleet company, to source the EVs and launch the program.
“It was instantly clear Burger King is serious about following through with their commitments and finding solutions that have long-term payoff and positive impact on the environment,” said David Madrigal, Element’s chief commercial officer.
“The brand’s enthusiasm for the goal, combined with the team’s responsiveness and active partnership. enabled us to mobilize vehicle sourcing and charging infrastructure installations at record speed — making this our fastest program launch across the nation to date,” Madrigal added.
RBI has outlined its sustainability commitments and progress at its website.
As of Dec. 31, Burger King, founded in 1954, had more than 19,700 locations in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI also owns the Tim Hortons, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Firehouse Subs brands.
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