Coca-Cola Refreshments Rolls Out Six Zero-Emission Electric Trucks

Coca-Cola Refreshments (CCR) is rolling out six all-electric, zero-emission trucks in September -- part of the Company's growing fleet of alternative fuel vehicles in North America, which will surpass 750 by year-end.

The new eStar trucks will be deployed in San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., Hartford, Conn. and Los Angeles. The eStar vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 10 tons annually.

The electric vehicles are the latest demonstration of the Coca-Cola system's commitment to energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuel vehicles. Coca-Cola already has the largest heavy-duty hybrid electric fleet in North America with more than 650 hybrid delivery trucks deployed in major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Miami.

The eStar electric truck launch coincides with a promising new partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE recently recognized Coca-Cola as a partner of the National Clean Fleets Partnership Program . Announced by President Barack Obama, the unique public-private partnership helps companies reduce diesel and gasoline use in their fleets by incorporating electric vehicles, alternative fuels and fuel-saving measures into their daily operations. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient vehicles nationwide.

"Our energy efficiency work is focused on meaningfully reducing the overall carbon footprint of our operations," said Brian Kelley, CCR Chief Product Supply Officer. "We do this through a variety of technologies that produce energy efficiencies across all areas of our business, including fleet, manufacturing and sales and marketing equipment. The new eStar vehicles are not only an example of our investment in innovation, but also an example of how we are delivering on our promise to grow the business without growing carbon emissions by consistently improving our energy efficiency practices."