FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Fresno-based dairy is celebrating a first-in-the-industry move. California Dairies, Inc. announced on Thursday the launch of the first all-electric vehicle and transport refrigeration system.
“We’re doing it in a way that reduces our carbon emissions – without really sacrificing on quality,” California Dairies’ Michael Burdeny said.
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Burdeny was joined by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and other local leaders to reveal a new fleet of electric vehicles.
“We’re rolling out the very first 100% diesel-free EV food delivery truck for the dairy industry,” Burdeny said.
Gibbs Truck Centers also played a role in bringing these trucks to life. Two zero-emission trucks will be headed to Challenge Dairy, with a third added later this year.
“This vehicle here has a 210-kilowatt system, six battery packs, lithium-ion batteries and 1,700 foot-pounds of torque. This is the very first combination of an electric refrigerated unit and an electric powered truck in all of the dairy industry,” Gibbs Truck Centers President and Owner Ed Gibbs said.