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The Bronx will be breathing a little easier with new Volvo VNR Electric
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City Harvest has acquired three zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric semi trucks to expand food rescue in New York City. The vehicles will operate across all five boroughs as part of the Bronx is Breathing initiative. They are equipped with battery-electric transport refrigeration units, enabling zero-tailpipe emissions during deliveries.
The purchase was supported by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. That program aims to cut noise and air pollution in South Bronx neighborhoods near a busy freight corridor. The trucks are part of a broader eight-vehicle Volvo Group deployment.
Volvo's Keith Brandis said City Harvest rescues and delivers millions of pounds of food yearly. He noted the electric trucks support that mission with cleaner, quieter operations. He added Bronx is Breathing shows targeted infrastructure and community partnerships can accelerate electric truck adoption in dense urban freight.
The Volvo VNR Electric daycab has a 565 kWh battery and a 340 kW motor producing over 4,000 lb-ft of torque. It can haul up to about 82,000 pounds combined vehicle weight and travel up to 275 miles per charge. These specifications suit urban food rescue routes.
Charging will be handled by an MN8 Energy public hub at Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. It will feature 32 DC fast chargers, including stalls for heavy-duty Class 8 trucks, plus 10 Level-2 chargers. The hub is scheduled to become operational in 2029.
On September 24, 2026, City Harvest, Volvo Trucks North America, and Bronx is Breathing will host a Ride Along event at Fulton Fish Market Cooperative. Attendees can experience the electric semi firsthand and hear from the driver. The update invites fleet managers and truck enthusiasts to sign up. The event highlights growing momentum for electric heavy-duty fleets in New York.
