Dot Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of Dot Foods, Inc., Mt. Sterling, Ill., partnered with Orange EV, Riverside, Mo., to deploy Orange EV T-Series pure electric terminal truck at Dot’s distribution center in Modesto, Calif.

“Making the move to pure-electric aligns with Dot’s mission to implement innovative, efficient solutions that contribute to the success of its food industry partners and their sustainability objectives,” says Kevin Buss, director of fleet maintenance for Dot Transportation.

Orange EV’s patent-pending technology is said to increase energy efficiency by more than 400% over traditional diesel systems.

Deployment of Orange EV’s T-Series pure electric terminal truck marks the first zero-emission vehicle deployed into Dot Transportation’s operations. The Modesto site has seamlessly integrated the new electric truck, charging during existing breaks and keeping the battery in a state of high charge while averaging about 12 hours of key on-time daily in around-the-clock operations.

“We’re really excited to pilot this technology for Dot,” says David Bigelow, California general manager, Dot Foods. “We will learn a lot from this electric yard truck in terms of lifespan and maintenance, and then we can use that learning moving forward. We are always excited about the challenge to try something new and help figure it out, and anytime that we can do that while also supporting Dot’s cost-savings and green initiatives, all the better.”

Truck data is reported using Orange EV’s web-based telematics system (standard equipment on all Orange EV trucks), which provides instant feedback, real-time performance statistics and hard data that helps fleets understand system status, fuel efficiency, cost savings and more.

“Orange EV is thrilled to be working with an innovative industry leader like Dot Foods,” adds Mike Saxton, chief commercial officer for Orange EV. “Orange EV trucks are built to fit site duty cycles and meet cost savings objectives. With trucks commercially deployed since 2015, Orange EV has amassed a wealth of real-world operating data that helps ensure everyone knows what they’re getting into operationally and economically. Typical distribution center operations report savings up to $40,000-plus per truck annually in fuel, maintenance and emission control. Facilities also enjoy all the other things that get better when diesel fuel is eliminated including a safer, healthier environment for site personnel and the surrounding community.”

Increased safety was a key component in the decision to purchase all-electric. The Orange EV truck provides a cooler, quieter, vibration-free alternative to its diesel counterpart with regenerative braking that allows for smooth, no-shift deceleration, finer control and reduces stopping distance and stopping time.

“There’s so much new technology in the industry today, and this yard truck is going to help us in a lot of ways,” Buss says. “We looked at a lot of options before we decided to move forward with this one. It will help us better understand electric trucks, how they perform and how they operate. The Orange EV truck is very similar to the yard trucks we are already using, but it will allow us to lower maintenance costs and should have a longer life in the yard.”