Frito-Lay North America is deploying 20 all-electric trucks to its fleet based in upstate New York, joining 15 such vehicles already in service in the area. Twenty new electric vehicle charging stations will also be installed to accommodate the expanded fleet.
The company says that since their introduction in 2010, the first 15 all-electric trucks in New York have eliminated the need for an estimated 27,000 gallons of fuel. When all 35 trucks are operating, Frito-Lay expects to eliminate 63,000 gallons of fuel annually.
Frito-Lay says it is the first commercial test subject for the new ‘highly automated’ charging stations, which are being supported through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
‘The introduction of these enhanced charging stations is a significant step forward for the Frito-Lay fleet as we continue on our sustainability journey,’ says Mike O'Connell, senior director of fleet operations for Frito-Lay North America. ‘Not only will the stations benefit our operations in real-time, they also allow the state of New York to gain a better understanding of the vehicles, providing the critical information needed for the state to continue to invest in this alternative vehicle technology.’
The new electric trucks will operate from distribution centers located throughout New York, including in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and New Paltz. These centers will also have the advanced charging stations.
