The US food distribution firm Performance Food Group is transitioning its diesel fleet to electric trucks equipped with solar-enabled electric refrigeration trailers. This move is significant in decarbonizing the refrigerated truck industry, which heavily relies on diesel fuel to power refrigeration systems. These systems are crucial for ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods are transported without spoiling. Freight Waves reports that reefer fuel, used for these systems, costs $2.74 per mile on average, and tanks need to be refilled every 2-4 days.
Performance Food Group is implementing a decarbonization project, starting with its distribution center in Gilroy, California. They have purchased six new Class 8 Volvo VNR electric trucks with vouchers from California’s incentive program. Additionally, they are replacing diesel-powered reefers with 100% electric TRUs from Advance Energy Machines. These TRUs come with solar panels that can generate 35 kilowatt-hours of power per day, reducing or eliminating the need for grid-sourced electricity for refrigeration.
The SolarTechTRU system from Advance Energy Machines can be moved from trailer to trailer, lasting longer than the lifespan of traditional cold chain trailers. PFG has already replaced over 30 conventional TRUs with the new zero-emission SolarTechTRU models, helping to eliminate approximately 20 tons of CO2 per TRU per year. To charge up the new electric trucks, PFG has partnered with FreeWire Technologies, installing 15 Boost EV charging stations at the Gilroy site, enabling them to charge up to 30 trucks simultaneously.
PFG’s decarbonization plan also includes a new 1.5 megawatt rooftop solar array and a 500kW/1100kWh energy storage system at the Gilroy facility, designed to meet the charging needs of their growing fleet of electric trucks. The company plans to continue working with its partners on decarbonization efforts across its other 150 locations in the US. This initiative highlights the importance of transitioning to electric and sustainable solutions in the long-haul refrigerated food distribution industry.
In addition to decarbonizing refrigerated trucks, there is also a growing focus on transitioning retail food trucks to electric power. Companies like Nissan with its e-NV200 electric van and startups like Scream Trucks are exploring battery-powered options for food trucks, particularly targeting diesel-spewing ice cream trucks. These efforts align with the broader goals of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation solutions in various sectors, including food distribution and retail. The shift towards electric and solar-enabled technologies in transportation is crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
