Testa Produce has added two new trucks to its delivery fleet, both of which operate solely on electricity.
Custom-made by Smith Electric Vehicles of Kansas City MO (chassis) and Kidron, based in Washington NC (insulated body), the trucks emit zero emissions and travel up to 100 miles without recharging. Testa Produce plans to use them for deliveries in its downtown Chicago IL market.
Adding electric delivery vehicles is in line with Testa Produce’s commitment to continually raise the bar on sustainability. The company is the first perishable food distributor in the nation to earn LEED platinum, the highest certification available from the US Green Building Council, for its state-of-the-art “green” distribution center. This facility incorporates energy-saving solar, wind, and water technologies.
The firm’s 60-plus delivery trucks run on biodiesel fuel, and all company cars are hybrids. In the coming months, Testa Produce will also add 10 trucks to its fleet that operate on compressed natural gas.
“The new electric trucks will help us diversify our fleet, give us added flexibility, and reduce our carbon footprint even more,” said Stephanie Testa, distribution manager.
Peter Testa, company president, said, “Distribution is an energy- and resource-intensive business, but we’ve made it our mission to do things differently and to set a new standard for our industry. Electric vehicle technology has advanced to the point where it’s now possible for us to begin making zero-emission deliveries to our Chicago customers. It’s a logical next step for us.”
Founded in 1912, Testa Produce is an independent produce distributor. Besides a line of domestic, local, organic, sustainable, and imported fresh produce items, the company delivers frozen, canned, and specialty foods to fine restaurants, hotels, and institutions throughout Illinois and much of Wisconsin.
Visit www.testaproduce.com for more information.
