Orange EV and Dot Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of Dot Foods, Inc., announced the deployment of an Orange EV T-Series pure electric terminal truck at Dot’s operation in Modesto, Calif. The Modesto facility is one of eleven distribution centers operated by Dot Foods in the U.S.
“Making the move to pure electric aligns with Dot’s mission to implement innovative, efficient solutions that contribute to the success of its food industry partners and their sustainability objectives,” said Kevin Buss, Dot Transportation’s director of fleet maintenance.
Orange EV’s patent-pending technology represents an innovation over existing electric-powered Class 8 vehicle systems, increasing energy efficiency by more than 400 percent over traditional diesel systems, according to the company.
Deployment of Orange EV’s T-Series pure electric terminal truck marks the first zero-emission vehicle deployed into Dot Transportation’s operations. The Modesto site has integrated the electric truck, charging during existing breaks and keeping the battery in a state of high charge, while averaging about 12 hours of on-time, daily, in around the clock operations.
“We’re really excited to pilot this technology for Dot,” said David Bigelow, Dot Foods California general manager. “We will learn a lot from this electric yard truck in terms of lifespan and maintenance, and then we can use that learning moving forward. We are always excited about the challenge to try something new and help figure it out, and anytime that we can do that while also supporting Dot’s cost-savings and green initiatives, all the better.”
Truck data is reported using Orange EV’s web-based telematics system (standard equipment on all Orange EV trucks) that provides instant feedback, real-time performance statistics, and hard data that helps fleets understand system status, fuel efficiency, cost savings, and more.
“Orange EV is thrilled to be working with an innovative industry leader like Dot Foods,” commented Mike Saxton, Orange EV chief commercial officer. “Orange EV trucks are built to fit site duty cycles and meet cost savings objectives. With trucks commercially deployed since 2015, Orange EV has amassed a wealth of real-world operating data that helps ensure everyone knows what they’re getting into operationally and economically. Typical distribution center operations report savings up to $40,000+ per truck annually in fuel, maintenance, and emission control. Facilities also enjoy all the other things that get better when diesel fuel is eliminated including a safer, healthier environment for site personnel and the surrounding community.”
Increased safety was a key component in the decision to purchase all-electric. The Orange EV truck provides a cooler, quieter, vibration-free alternative to its diesel counterpart with regenerative braking that allows for no-shift deceleration, finer control, and reduces stopping distance and stopping time, according to the company.
“There’s so much new technology in the industry today, and this yard truck is going to help us in a lot of ways,” Buss explained. “We looked at a lot of options before we decided to move forward with this one. It will help us better understand electric trucks, how they perform, and how they operate. The Orange EV truck is very similar to the yard trucks we are already using, but it will allow us to lower maintenance costs and should have a longer life in the yard.”
Dot Foods California introduced the all-electric truck at the end of 2018, and the vehicle has been well-received by drivers.
“We want to stay on the leading edge of technology in our industry so we’re in a position to give our employees the best tools, and ultimately, to provide the best service possible to our customers,” Bigelow continued.
Dot Foods utilized funding from the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) to purchase their Orange EV truck for use at the California distribution center. Fleets using Orange EV trucks can now also monetize site-generated carbon credits worth thousands of dollars per truck annually.
