PepsiCo’s (NYSE: PEP) Frito-Lay North America division announced its intention to build the largest fleet of commercial all-electric trucks in North America.
New York City will become the first U.S. city to receive its favorite snacks from fully-electric delivery trucks, with five new trucks beginning routes this month.
In total, Frito-Lay will be deploying 21 electric trucks this year. The company projects it will roll out 155 additional trucks in 2011. The trucks–called the Newton–are designed by Smith Electric Vehicles. They generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge.
The initial rollout in New York was funded through a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
With the seventh largest privately owned fleet in the U.S., Frito-Lay
has set a goal of becoming the most fuel efficient fleet in the
country.
Mike O’Connell, director of fleet capability for Frito Lay North America, said, "There are real economic and environmental benefits to electric trucks. Once the planned 176 electric trucks are deployed we will eliminate the need for 500,000 gallons of fuel annually. Each truck emits 75% less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel truck."
New York will be the first of three cities in the U.S., along with Columbus, Ohio and Ft Worth, Texas, where Frito-Lay will be piloting electric trucks on regular daily routes. The company has already deployed six electric trucks in Canada.
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