Volvo Trucks North America delivered its first Class 8 battery-electric regional hauling trucks on the East Coast to Manhattan Beer Distributors. Five zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks will be joining the New York City-based beer and beverage distributor’s fleet of more than 400 delivery trucks to service customers throughout New York City, Long Island and surrounding counties. Manhattan Beer Distributors commemorated the delivery with a press event co-hosted by the New York City Department of Transportation at its distribution warehouse in the Bronx, NY, on Aug. 12.

“Volvo Trucks commends Manhattan Beer Distributors for continuing two decades of leadership in bringing the most advanced and sustainable commercial trucks to New York City,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “By working together with customers like Manhattan Beer Distributors that are dedicated to reducing their environmental impact, Volvo Trucks has been able to make meaningful progress on the path toward widescale commercial deployment of VNR Electrics from coast to coast.”

Manhattan Beer Distributors began building its low-emission fleet in the ’90s. The fleet now includes more than 160 Volvo VNR and VNL CNG Class 8 trucks, which will soon be joined by the five new Volvo VNR Electrics. To support the charging of its battery-electric fleet, Manhattan Beer Distributors installed three Level 3 DC fast chargers at its Bronx, NY, facility that can fully recharge its Volvo VNR Electric trucks up to 80% in 70 minutes. Manhattan Beer Distributors’ battery-electric trucks were the first Volvo VNR Electric models to enter full serial production at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, VA, which is where all Volvo Trucks sold in North America are assembled.

“As one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S., Manhattan Beer Distributors recognizes the broad sustainability impact that we can make by eliminating our fleet’s tailpipe emissions,” Simon Bergson, founder, president and CEO of Manhattan Beer Distributors, said. “Volvo Trucks has long supported our sustainability goals and demonstrated that their low- and zero-emission truck lineup provides the safety, performance and reliability we’ve come to expect. We look forward to gaining hands-on experience with our first five VNR Electrics and working with Volvo Trucks and local Volvo Trucks dealership Milea Truck Sales and Leasing to continue expanding our zero-emission fleet.”

Milea Truck Sales and Leasing, which serves New York City and the tri-state area, is Volvo Trucks’ first East Coast Volvo EV certified dealer. The dealership installed heavy-duty-capable charging infrastructure onsite, and its service team has been trained and equipped to perform battery-electric truck maintenance Milea Truck Sales and Leasing and repairs.

“As a Volvo EV certified dealer, Milea is proud to partner with Volvo Trucks to bring their first battery-electric Class 8 regional-haul trucks to New York and support the ongoing deployment of Volvo VNR Electrics for local and regional distribution, pickup and delivery and food and beverage distribution in the region,” Barry Milea, president of Milea Truck Sales and Leasing, said. “With the deployment of these VNR Electric models, Milea looks forward to continuing its long-standing support of Manhattan Beer Distributors in achieving its fleet sustainability goals while maximizing vehicle uptime and efficiency.”

Manhattan Beer Distributors secured funding for the Volvo VNR Electrics from New York State’s Volkswagen settlement funds through the New York City Department of Transportation’s NYC Clean Trucks Program. New York State’s Volkswagen settlement plan, Clean Transportation NY, was developed to reduce emissions in major transportation corridors by funding zero-emission vehicles and equipment.

“This summer, the subjects of infrastructure and climate change are on everyone’s minds as we witness extreme weather events with increasing frequency all around the world,” Hank Gutman, commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, said. “This is the perfect time to focus on the importance of transitioning to electric-zero emission trucks. We are so pleased that in partnership with New York state, DOT’s NYC Clean Trucks Program was able to provide funds to support Manhattan Beer Distributors’ investment in Volvo VNR Electric trucks. In addition to great lager and ale, these new trucks will deliver cleaner air and quieter streets.”