Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling (RCCB) is one of the largest bottlers and distributors of Coca-Cola products in the West Coast and Midwest regions of the United States. With a fleet of over 1,000 trucks, RCCB delivers refreshing beverages to millions of customers daily. But RCCB is not just a successful business and it's also a responsible one. RCCB aims to reduce its carbon emissions in its operations by 30% by 2030, and it's taking concrete steps to achieve it.
One of the most significant steps RCCB has taken is to add 20 zero-emission, battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 tractors to its Downey, California, site. These electric vehicles are the first of their kind to join RCCB's fleet, and they represent a major milestone in promoting sustainable transportation. RCCB is one of the first customers to receive the eCascadias, which are manufactured by Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), the leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in North America.
What are the benefits of the eCascadias?
The Freightliner eCascadia are designed to meet the high-performance and reliability standards of RCCB's delivery operations while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. The Freightliner eCascadia has a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge and can haul up to 80,000 pounds of cargo. They are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged in about 90 minutes using fast-charging stations. The eCascadias also have advanced features such as regenerative braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation systems, which enhance heavy-duty truck safety and heavy-duty truck efficiency.
According to DTNA, the 20 eCascadias are expected to reduce the use of 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year, which translates to a saving of about $120,000 based on the current average diesel price of $3 per gallon. Moreover, the Freightliner eCascadia will eliminate about 440 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, equivalent to removing 95 passenger cars from the road.
How did RCCB integrate the eCascadias into its fleet?
RCCB worked closely with DTNA and its subsidiary Detroit, which provides powertrain solutions and eMobility services, to ensure a smooth and seamless integration of the eCascadias into its fleet. RCCB installed 20 Detroit eFill commercial charging stations at its Downey facility, which can provide up to 150 kilowatts of power to each eCascadia. RCCB also leveraged the Detroit Charger Management System, a software solution that provides a comprehensive view of the electric fleet and enables efficient energy management to reduce operational costs.
Additionally, RCCB received extensive training and support from DTNA and Detroit, which included driver orientation, technician certification, and fleet management consultation. RCCB also participated in DTNA's Customer Experience (CX) Fleet program, which allows select customers to test and provide feedback on the eCascadias before they are commercially available. RCCB was one of the first customers to join the CX Fleet program, which launched in 2018.
What are the reactions from RCCB and DTNA?
RCCB and DTNA are very pleased and proud of their collaboration, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Tim Heinen, vice president of strategic infrastructure and development at RCCB, said: "We're excited to roll out these 100 percent electric, zero-emission heavy-duty tractors as we strive to reduce our carbon emissions in our operations by 30 percent by 2030. Our electric fleet for Downey, which now includes electric semi-trucks and electric customer care vehicles, will serve customers throughout Southern California and build on our commitment to make a positive difference in our communities."
David Carson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at DTNA, said: "Our collaboration with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable transportation. Integrating Freightliner eCascadias into RCCB's fleet showcases that business and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand, all while fostering innovation and efficiency."
The eCascadias are a win not only for RCCB and DTNA but also for the customers and communities they serve. By choosing electric vehicles, RCCB and DTNA contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment and set an example for other businesses to follow. The Freightliner eCascadia is a testament to the power and potential of eMobility, and a glimpse into the future of transportation.
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