PLANO, TX -- PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America division announced that eight new electric delivery trucks will be rolling out in the Boston area.  

By the end of this year, a total of 18 cities and surrounding areas across the U.S. will receive some Frito-Lay deliveries in fully electric delivery trucks. In total, Frito-Lay is deploying 176 electric trucks this year in the U.S. and Canada, making Frito-Lay the largest commercial fleet of all-electric trucks in North America, the company said.

"The electric vehicle program builds on a long-standing commitment by Frito-Lay North America and its parent company PepsiCo to environmental sustainability," said Mike O'Connell, senior director of fleet for Frito-Lay North America. "With the seventh largest privately owned fleet in the U.S., we have set a goal of becoming the most fuel efficient fleet in the country, and these vehicles give us an opportunity to use the latest advances in transportation technology as a significant way to reduce our environmental impact."

The Smith Newton electric trucks, designed by Smith Electric Vehicles, generate zero tailpipe emissions and operate for up to 100 miles on a single charge. Frito-Lay's fleet program aligns with the Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition, which works with vehicle fleets, fuel providers, community leaders and other stakeholders to reduce petroleum use in transportation. 

Once all of the 176 electric trucks are fully deployed, Frito-Lay will eliminate the need for 500,000 gallons of fuel annually. Each truck emits 75 percent less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel truck.

"Frito-Lay's investment in cleaner, more sustainable transportation serves as an excellent example of a major U.S. corporation, PepsiCo, making a significant public commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gases and reduced energy consumption," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick. "The Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition applauds Frito Lay's leadership in this area."