UNFI deploys zero-emission reefers in California
United Natural Foods recently deployed two battery-electric trucks and five regenerative electric refrigerated trailer systems in the Sacramento and Gilroy, California markets—just in time for the peak holiday selling season.
UNFI worked with Penske Truck Leasing to secure the two Class 8 electric tractors, a Freightliner eCascadia and a Volvo VNR Electric. Both vehicles are equipped for safety and driver comfort, with air-ride seats, air suspension, easy charging, and “ample” battery range and torque to meet UNFI’s typical freight hauling and delivery needs, the company reported.
“The introduction of these efficient electric trucks and refrigerated trailers is a huge step forward, not only toward lowering our delivery costs per mile and achieving our own clean transportation goals, but also in helping UNFI achieve California’s ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles,” Nick Selders, UNFI VP of transportation, said in a news release. “Implementing this zero-emission delivery solution will enable us become more cost efficient and prevent hundreds of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year.”
UNFI will combine the trucks with refrigerated trailers cooled by Carrier Transicold’s Vector eCool transport refrigeration unit (TRU). The all-electric Vector eCool uses power generated by ConMet eMobility’s nMotion TR 160-45, an in-wheel electric motor application that repurposes energy captured during coasting and braking. The combination of regenerated energy and Carrier’s Vector unit will help UNFI keep customers’ deliveries cold while creating zero emissions.
“[This] announcement is a testament to the creativity and collaboration that go into bringing truly sustainable transport refrigeration solutions to market,” said Alice DeBiasio, Carrier VP and general manager for truck trailer Americas and digital solutions. “We’re excited to see our Vector eCool units, using energy recovery and storage from the ConMet eMobility system, improve UNFI’s efficiency and environmental impact.”
UNFI recently completed a study focused on heavy-duty fleet electrification planning, funded by the CA Energy Commission. The results are helping to define the steps required to implement charging infrastructure and electric vehicles at multiple locations, including the company facility in Gilroy. The technology is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants while delivering more efficiently and cost-effectively.
“We’re pleased to collaborate with innovative customers like UNFI as they implement their fleet electrification initiatives and advance their sustainability commitments,” said Patrick Watt, Penske VP of alternative vehicle and emerging technology. “We were able to accelerate this project with funding through California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The availability of HVIP funding is important as it helps fleets offset a portion of the incremental costs of implementing new, commercial electric vehicle technologies.”
Added Brian Schrimsher, a 20-year UNFI driver: “Driving the new electric truck has been great. It’s smooth, quiet, and super comfortable. The sporty look makes for a fun drive, and it has a lot of power. I get a lot of looks and questions from other drivers.
“Hopefully I can drive this truck every day.”
