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The Bronx will be breathing a little easier with new Volvo VNR Electric
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New York City's largest food rescue organization, City Harvest, has purchased three zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric semi trucks to help Bronx residents breathe easier. The trucks will be deployed under the Bronx is Breathing initiative. A ride-along event is set for September 24th at the Fulton Fish Market Cooperative.
City Harvest rescues and delivers millions of pounds of food to New Yorkers annually. The electric trucks feature battery-electric transport refrigeration units, ensuring zero tailpipe emissions across all five boroughs. The initiative targets South Bronx neighborhoods bordering one of the nation's busiest freight corridors.
The purchase was supported by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. It is part of an eight-vehicle Volvo Group deployment funding food distribution and local deliveries exceeding 250,000 pounds daily. The trucks serve grocers, farms, and restaurants combating food waste.
Each Volvo VNR Electric has a 565 kWh battery pack powering a 340 kW (about 450 hp) motor. The motor delivers over 4,000 lb-ft of torque, allowing up to 82,000 pounds of combined vehicle weight. Range reaches 275 miles on a single charge.
The transition to electric freight promises quieter, cleaner operations in dense urban areas. Keith Brandis, Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs for Volvo Group's Trucks Technology & Industrial Division, said the trucks support City Harvest's mission while reducing pollution. He added that the Bronx is Breathing initiative shows how infrastructure investment and community partnerships accelerate electric truck adoption.
The September 24th ride-along gives fleet managers and enthusiasts a firsthand look at the future of freight. Attendees can ride in the electric semi and hear directly from its driver. The event highlights growing interest in zero-emission commercial vehicles.
Battery-electric truck longevity remains unproven in real-world conditions. Conventional Volvo trucks are built to last over 1,000,000 miles or 20 years, and the VNR Electric is designed for similar heavy-duty service. Batteries are expected to last six to ten years, with performance to be monitored over time.
