PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division announced that
it will roll out eight new electric trucks to deliver snacks in the Boston area.
The company plans to expand this delivery system to 18 cities and surrounding
areas across the U.S. by the end of this year.
In total, Frito-Lay is deploying 176 electric trucks this
year in the U.S. and Canada, making Frito-Lay the largest commercial fleet of
all-electric trucks in North America.
“With the seventh largest privately owned fleet in
the U.S., we have set a goal of becoming the most fuel efficient fleet in the
country, and these vehicles give us an opportunity to use the latest advances
in transportation technology as a significant way to reduce our environmental
impact,” said Mike O’Connell, senior director of fleet for Frito-Lay North
America.
Frito-Lay’s fleet program aligns with the Massachusetts
Clean Cities Coalition, which works with vehicle fleets, fuel providers,
community leaders and other stakeholders to reduce petroleum use in
transportation.
Electric trucks reduce fuel consumption, noise
pollution and CO2 emissions, compared to traditional delivery trucks. Smith
Electric Vehicles had designed these trucks to generate zero tailpipe emissions
and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge. Each truck emits 75 percent
less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel truck.
Frito-Lay can eliminate the need
for 500,000 gallons of fuel annually when all the 176 electric trucks are fully
deployed.
“Frito-Lay’s investment in cleaner, more sustainable
transportation serves as an excellent example of a major US corporation,
PepsiCo, making a significant public commitment to the reduction of
greenhouse gases and reduced energy consumption,” said Energy and
Environmental Affairs Undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick.
By GreentechLead.com Team
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