Sysco is transforming a distribution center into an electric vehicle hub

Sysco wants to add 2,800 electric vehicles to its U.S. fleet by 2030, and to that end, the food distributor is transforming its distribution center in Riverside, Calif., into an electric vehicle hub.

Once completed, the facility will house 40 dual-port DC fast-charging stations, 40 electric vehicles and 40 electric refrigerated trailers.

Currently, Sysco operates 11 electric-powered tractors at its Riverside facility and expects to deploy 20 total by this summer, according to a press release. The Riverside site will also feature 4 Megawatt hours of battery storage and increase its solar power generation by 1.5 Megawatts.

This move toward electric vehicles also supports Sysco’s goal of reducing its direct emissions by 27.5% by 2030. The company plans to do so, in part, by electrifying 35% of its U.S. tractor fleet and sourcing 100% renewable energy by that same year, according to the press release.

“This year’s theme for Earth Day is ‘invest in our planet’ and Sysco is doing just that. Our commitment is coming to life in Riverside as we break new ground on one of the first facilities of its kind in the world,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s chief administrative officer. “Change of this magnitude requires deep collaboration and I want to thank our government and community partners who are helping bring our vision to life.”