Sysco Corp. has unveiled its vision for the Electric Vehicle Hub, which will transform the company’s distribution center in Riverside, California, into the focal point of its electrified fleet.
One of the first electric vehicle hubs of its kind in the world, the Riverside project is a foundational step toward Sysco’s goal to reduce its direct emissions by 27.5 percent and add 2,800 electric trucks to its U.S. fleet by 2030.
Currently, Sysco operates 11 Freightliner battery electric eCascadia tractors at its Riverside facility and expects to deploy 20 total by summer 2023. Once completed, the facility’s planned EV infrastructure will include dual port DC fast-charging stations in support of 40 electric, Class-8 vehicles and 40 electric refrigerated trailers.
To accommodate the energy demands of the fleet, the Riverside site will also feature 4 MWh of battery storage and will increase its solar power generation by an additional 1.5 MW.
“We are excited to showcase Sysco’s work to build our first Electric Vehicle Hub at our Riverside, California, site,” said Marie Robinson, chief supply chain officer.
“This is a massive collaborative effort that has required years of planning. We’re grateful to our many partners on this journey for their vision, innovation and leadership in bringing the transportation and infrastructure technology to market to support this project.”
Sysco announced in May 2021 its intent to deploy nearly 800 battery electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 tractors by 2026. ConMet and ConMet eMobility are enabling the development of zero-emission commercial vehicles, providing technology for the electrification of refrigerated trailers required for Sysco to deliver food safely.
InCharge Energy and ABB E-mobility are supplying and preparing to activate 40 Terra 124 DC fast chargers. Tested for vehicle interoperability and reliability, these stations will facilitate the charging of all vehicles daily.
“As the leading fleet electrification provider, InCharge Energy and ABB E-mobility are thrilled to play such an important role in Sysco’s transition to electric transportation,” said Terry O’Day, COO and co-founder of InCharge Energy.
“Sysco’s transportation electrification program will have a sizable impact on carbon emissions. This project sets the stage for the increasing shift to electric mobility in California, especially given the EPA’s recent decision to allow California to accelerate its transition from diesel to electric trucks. We look forward to seeing what cleaner transportation will do for the beautiful Riverside community and beyond.”
Sysco’s climate goals includes a commitment to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by electrifying 35 percent of its U.S. tractor fleet and sourcing 100 percent renewable electricity for its global operations by 2030. More information can be found in Sysco’s 2022 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
