City Harvest, a major food rescue organization in New York City, has acquired three Volvo VNR Electric semi-trucks. These vehicles will operate across all five boroughs to support food distribution efforts as part of the Bronx is Breathing initiative.
The acquisition was supported by a $10 million grant from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. This initiative aims to decrease noise and air pollution in the South Bronx, an area adjacent to a major freight corridor.
Each truck features a 565 kWh battery pack and a 340 kW electric motor. The vehicles are capable of hauling up to 82,000 lbs with a range of approximately 275 miles on a single charge. They are also equipped with battery-electric transport refrigeration units.
These trucks are part of a larger eight-vehicle deployment funded by the state program. The fleet supports the daily distribution of over 250,000 lbs of food to local pantries and community programs.
Charging infrastructure for the fleet will be provided by a new hub at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, developed by MN8 Energy. The facility is scheduled to open in 2029 and will include 32 DC fast chargers and 10 Level-2 chargers.
