Energy Commission Funds All-Electric Delivery Vans

Bit by bit California is transforming its fleets of diesel trucks to non-polluting vehicles, with a little help from the California Energy Commission.

The Energy Commission provided $1.7 million to help fund six all-electric delivery vans built with powertrains by Motiv Power Systems on existing Ford chassis.



The step-in vans, unveiled a week ago, will replace polluting diesel trucks used by AmeriPride, an international uniform and linens delivery service company. The initial six vans can travel 100 miles per day, about half of the miles they will travel in 10-hour shifts from AmeriPride’s facility in Vernon, a community challenged by poor air quality.

AmeriPride has ordered four more of Motiv’s all-electric vans to expand its alternative fuel program in the Southern California community.

“Zero-emission vehicles, like the ones AmeriPride is introducing into its fleet, can help California meet its clean air standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in communities like Vernon, which is especially challenged by pollution,” said Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott.

Funds for the project were approved through the Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which supports new technology for a non-polluting world.