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PepsiCo Accelerates Shift Towards a Sustainable Future with Major Electric Fleet Expansion in California

May 22, 2024

PepsiCo deployed 50 Tesla Semis and 75 Ford E-Transit vans in California.
The company aims for net zero emissions by 2040, transitioning its fleet to electric power.
PepsiCo collaborates with schools for a job training program on electric truck maintenance.

In its determined pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2040, PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) is making substantial efforts to switch its vehicle fleet to electric power. The company’s recent announcement highlights the deployment of fifty Class 8 Tesla Semi trucks and 75 Ford E-Transit electric vans across California, marking a major milestone in PepsiCo’s sustainability journey.

In Fresno, California, PBNA’s 170,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center will be the heart of the new electric fleet. Beyond just hosting the Tesla Semis, this facility will feature advanced charging infrastructure, with eight 750-kilowatt Tesla superchargers and two Tesla Megapack Battery Energy Storage Systems. These additions highlight PepsiCo’s dedication to blending advanced tech to support its green initiatives.

John Dean, President for PepsiCo Beverages North America, West Division, highlighted the strategic importance of this move. “Our fleet electrification is an important part of our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy and illustrates how sustainability is a core business strategy at PepsiCo— good for the planet, good for our business, and good for the communities we serve,” Dean explained.

PepsiCo Tesla Semi Trucks Will Operate Out of Fresno Facility and E-Transit Vans Will Serve Customers Across California

The electrification effort extends beyond Fresno. Across PBNA’s thirteen locations in California, the company is rolling out 75 Ford E-Transit electric vans. These vehicles are versatile, catering to various needs from sales deliveries to service support, demonstrating PepsiCo’s comprehensive approach to sustainability.

The expansion of PepsiCo’s electric fleet has also kicked off a new educational initiative. In collaboration with Reedley College and Duncan Polytechnic High School, PepsiCo has launched a job training program that educates over 100 students annually. This program is designed to provide practical training in electric truck maintenance and infrastructure, preparing the next generation for a sustainable future.

PepsiCo’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company’s participation in the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) 2023 Run on Less Electric Depot showcased how seamlessly the Tesla Semis have been integrated into PBNA’s operations. The success was mirrored by Frito-Lay North America’s use of Tesla Semis and Ford E-Transits at their facilities in Modesto, California, and Queens, New York, further proving the operational viability of electric fleets.

The initiative is also supported by several grants from the California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the California Energy Commission. These grants are part of the California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that channels Cap-and-Trade dollars into projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving public health and the economy, particularly in disadvantaged communities.