New York City's largest food rescue organization, City Harvest, has recently acquired and is set to deploy three brand-new, zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric semi-trucks as part of the Bronx is Breathing initiative. These electric trucks will support City Harvest's mission to rescue and deliver millions of pounds of food to New Yorkers every year with cleaner, quieter operations.
The purchase was supported by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, which aims to reduce noise and air pollution in South Bronx neighborhoods. Each truck will be equipped with battery-electric transport refrigeration units, enabling true zero-tailpipe emissions during food rescue and delivery operations across all five New York City boroughs.
The deployment is part of a broader eight-vehicle Volvo Group initiative being funded through the same program, which supports food distribution, waste operations, and local food deliveries of over 250,000 pounds throughout New York every day. The new trucks will be powered by a 565 kWh battery pack that sends juice to a 340 kW electric motor, producing over 4,000 lb-ft of torque for hassle-free hauling.
When the trucks become operational, they will be charged at a freight-focused public charging hub being developed by MN8 Energy in the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, which will feature 32 DC fast chargers and 10 Level-2 chargers. The initiative demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment and community partnerships can accelerate the adoption of electric trucks in dense urban freight environments.
The Bronx is Breathing initiative showcases the impact that these new electric trucks can have on reducing tailpipe emissions and promoting cleaner, quieter operations in New York City's busiest freight corridors. By supporting this initiative, City Harvest is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also contributing to a healthier environment for Bronx residents.