United Natural Foods, Inc. announced that it is taking its next steps toward a zero-emission future by deploying two battery-electric semi-trucks and five regenerative electric refrigerated trailer systems. UNFI is deploying the trucks and trucks in the Sacramento and Gilroy, California markets, just in time for the peak holiday selling season. UNFI worked with Penske Truck Leasing to secure two, class-8 electric trucks, which include the Freightliner eCascadia, and the Volvo VNR Electric models. Both vehicles are well equipped for safety and driver comfort and include air-ride seats, air suspension, easy charging, and ample battery range and torque to meet UNFI's typical freight hauling and delivery needs.

UNFI will combine these trucks with refrigerated trailers cooled by Carrier'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 availability of HVIP funding is important as it helps fleets offset a portion of the incremental costs of implementing new, commercial electric vehicle technologies.