The announcement was made as the Environmental Protection Agency presented CCE with the first Southeast Diesel Collaborative Leadership Award, designed to recognise exemplary efforts to reduce emissions.
The new CCE trucks will bring its total hybrid delivery truck fleet to 327. The additions include 150 tractor-trailers, the largest hybrid electric delivery trucks in North America, and 35 smaller, 12-bay delivery trucks (the vehicles with the roll-up doors along the sides).
The hybrids, which work on diesel and electric power, reduce emissions by at least 30% and increase fuel efficiency by at least 30% compared to regular diesel trucks.
Sustainability, or environmentally friendly, projects such as the hybrid vehicles are key for the company, said John Brock, CCE chairman and CEO.
“It’s important because it’s the right thing to do for business,” Brock said in a ceremony at CCE’s Atlanta headquarters. “And it’s important because it’s the right thing to do for the environment; for our planet.”
The hybrid fleet will cost more up front, he said. The hybrid tractor-trailers cost $95,000 compared to $68,000 for a non-hybrid. But even with today’s oil prices, hybrids should have a payback of four to five years, Brock said.
The hybrids will be deployed across the US and Canada. Metro Atlanta already has 10 CCE hybrid trucks and will get 10 more by the end of the year.
The EPA applauded CCE for its efforts. “CCE is a role model for fleets worldwide,” said Stanley Meiburg, a deputy regional administrator for the EPA.
Governor Sonny Perdue was also on hand to congratulate CCE. In addition to the broader environmental advantages, the trucks could have a direct, tangible impact on Georgia residents, Perdue said. “When you pull up next to that Coca-Cola truck, that red Coca-Cola truck you’re so familiar with, you can roll your window down and enjoy life.”
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