ARKANSAS, Nov 17 (Future Headlines)- Frito-Lay, the snack giant and subsidiary of PepsiCo, has rolled out its inaugural 100% all-electric truck fleet at the South Charlotte Product Exchange Center (PEC) in North Carolina. The electric fleet comprises 28 Ford E-Transits, featuring a two-seater cutaway model with a 68 kWh lithium-ion battery and an estimated range of 126 miles. Frito-Lay has partnered with Atom Power for charging solutions and Duke Energy for power infrastructure at the PEC.

Atom Power CEO Ryan Kennedy highlighted that the charging infrastructure provided by Atom Power meets Frito-Lay’s needs for reliable and large-scale energy management. The South Charlotte site serves as a pilot for future electric depots, reflecting Frito-Lay’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The company aims to deploy 700 electric vehicles by the end of the year and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The electric truck fleet will cover approximately 800 miles daily, delivering snacks to retail stores in Gaston, Mecklenburg, and Union Counties in North Carolina, along with Lancaster and York Counties in South Carolina. The deployment of this electric fleet is anticipated to eliminate 260 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Frito-Lay’s move toward electrifying its truck fleet aligns with the broader industry trend of transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions to reduce carbon emissions. The success of the pilot program at the South Charlotte PEC is expected to inform and guide the expansion of Frito-Lay’s electric vehicle initiatives in the future.

The collaboration with Atom Power for charging solutions indicates a comprehensive approach to managing the transition to electric vehicles, addressing both vehicle technology and the necessary charging infrastructure. As the deployment of electric trucks becomes increasingly prevalent in logistics and distribution, partnerships like these play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and scalability of charging infrastructure.

With sustainability goals at the forefront, Frito-Lay’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 reinforces the company’s role as an industry leader in embracing environmentally friendly practices. The electric truck fleet represents a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of distribution operations, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly supply chain.

Frito-Lay’s initiative is indicative of the broader shift toward electrification in the transportation sector, with companies recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to electric fleets. As technology continues to advance, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly viable for a variety of applications, including commercial and industrial transportation.

The successful implementation of Frito-Lay’s electric truck fleet not only supports the company’s sustainability objectives but also sets an example for other businesses in the distribution and logistics sector to embrace cleaner and greener transportation alternatives. As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, it contributes to the collective effort to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future.

Reporting by Alireza Sabet; Editing by Sarah White