Frito-Lay North America announced it will be rolling out eight more electric trucks in the Boston area, building on what the company said is the largest fleet of commercial all-electric trucks in North America.
Frito-Lay is deploying 176 electric trucks this year in 18 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Once all the 176 electric trucks are fully deployed, Frito-Lay will eliminate the need for 500,000 gals. of fuel annually. Each truck emits 75% less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel truck, according to a company announcement.
The trucks, designed by Smith Electric Vehicles, generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 mi. on a single charge. Smith Electric produces the Newton, which is the only medium-duty (Class 4 - 7) all-electric commercial truck on the market.
“Frito-Lay’s investment in cleaner, more sustainable transportation serves as an excellent example of a major U.S. 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. “The Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition applauds Frito Lay’s leadership in this area.”
“The electric vehicle program builds on a long-standing commitment by Frito-Lay North America and its parent company PepsiCo to environmental sustainability,” said Mike O'Connell, senior director of fleet for Frito-Lay 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.”