PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America division, already a leader in the use of all-electric delivery trucks, is adding 20 electric vehicles to its fleet in upstate New York, along with 20 innovative and enhanced electric vehicle charging stations.
Once the new all-electric trucks are deployed, New York will be home to 35 Frito-Lay all-electric trucks, the company's second largest deployment in any state.
Additionally, the new highly automated charging stations will help optimize the future of electric vehicles. Frito-Lay is the first commercial test subject for these charging stations, which will not only improve how the Frito-Lay fleet is utilized, but also relay important information to the state for a better understanding of electric fleets, according to the release.
The new all-electric trucks will operate from distribution centers located throughout New York, including in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and New Paltz. These distribution centers will also have the advanced charging stations.
"The introduction of these enhanced charging stations is a significant step forward for the Frito-Lay fleet as we continue on our sustainability journey," noted Mike O'Connell, senior director of fleet operations for Frito-Lay North America, in a prepared statement. "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."
To support the introduction of charging stations, Frito-Lay received funding through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Charge N.Y. initiative, which seeks to grow electric vehicle use in the state by helping to create a statewide charging station infrastructure.
Last month, Governor Cuomo launched the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (VIP), which offsets the increased cost of investing in electric and other alternative-fueled vehicles. The program is expected to increase fleet investment in electric trucks around the state. Companies like Frito-Lay recognize the value and are supportive of the VIP program.
Both programs are being funded through NYSERDA.
"Through Charge NY and the Truck Voucher Incentive Program, Governor Cuomo has encouraged the purchase and use of electric vehicles in New York State," said Janet Joseph, vice president for technology and strategic planning at NYSERDA. "NYSERDA is pleased to see Frito-Lay leading the way to a more sustainable method of transportation, through its investment in technology that can lower its operating expenses, reduce its fossil fuel consumption and promote sustainable transportation."
In 2010, NYSERDA provided funding for Frito-Lay's first five electric trucks based in New York City.
Since their introduction in 2010, the initial 15 all-electric trucks in New York have already eliminated the need for an estimated 27,000 gallons of fuel and 449,550 pounds of greenhouse gases. When all 35 trucks are deployed by the end of this year, Frito-Lay expects to eliminate 63,000 gallons of fuel and nearly 1,048,950 pounds of greenhouse gases annually in the state of New York.
Electric trucks reduce fuel consumption, noise pollution and CO2 emissions, compared to traditional delivery trucks. By the end of this year, Frito-Lay will have 269 electric trucks deployed in the U.S., making Frito-Lay the largest commercial fleet of all-electric trucks in the country. In August, Frito-Lay reached a milestone of three million all-electric miles driven.
Once all 269 electric trucks are fully deployed across the U.S., Frito-Lay expects to eliminate the need for an estimated 600,000 gallons of fuel annually. In addition, the all-electric delivery trucks:
Can run up to 80 miles on a single charge
Have zero tailpipe emissions
Emit 75 percent less greenhouse gases than diesel
Operate virtually silently, reducing noise pollution
Provide a long-term economically viable solution to traditional fuel sources
