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Nestlé adds propane-powered trucks to delivery fleet

December 14, 2017 By    

Nestlé Waters North America deployed more than 400 additional medium-duty beverage delivery trucks fueled by propane autogas.

Nestlé Waters’ F-650 propane-powered delivery trucks. Photo courtesy of TSN Communications.

ReadyRefresh’s additional Ford F-650/750 delivery trucks are each equipped with a Roush CleanTech propane autogas fuel system that provides 55 usable gallons of fuel without compromising standard delivery methods, according to Bill Ardis, national fleet manager for Nestlé’s ReadyRefresh business unit.

The Ford 6.8-liter V10 3V engine with a Roush CleanTech fuel system is certified to 0.05 grams per brake horsepower-hour for nitrogen oxide (NOx), according to the company.

“ReadyRefresh’s heavier-duty trucks fueled by propane autogas reduce NOx and particulate matter, when compared to diesel models,” says Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech. “Propane autogas is an affordable, abundant American fuel that allows industry leaders like Nestlé Waters to reduce their operating costs while helping to preserve the environment in which they work.”

The company now operates nearly 600 propane-fueled trucks, which make up about 30 percent of its total North American fleet.

“We’ve been running propane autogas vehicles since 2014, beginning with five class 5 vehicles,” Ardis says. “Based on the proven emissions reduction compared with our older diesel units, and lower fuel and total cost of ownership, we knew this was the right application for us within the alternative fuel space. With propane being domestically produced, it’s proven to have a more stable cost per gallon, while the fueling and maintenance infrastructures are much more cost-effective than other alternative fuel options.”

The company’s vehicle operators cite additional benefits, including a quieter engine, powertrain performance equivalent to current diesel delivery vehicles, easy fueling and simple operation.

“Many of our drivers have provided positive feedback for the propane vehicles,” says Robert Austin, director of supply chain for Nestlé Waters North America’s ReadyRefresh business unit. “We are excited about this strategic endeavor that will ultimately drive awareness, efficiency and sustainability. Our new fleet will ensure that ReadyRefresh is poised to meet our consumers’ needs and the delivery of our great brands while improving our environment.”

In 2016, the company was recognized within all of Nestle Worldwide for its commitment to alternative fuel vehicles within the United States. The company says it will continue to replace older delivery vehicles with propane autogas to reach its goal of operating 52 percent on the alternative fuel by 2019.

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About the Author:

Joe McCarthy was an associate editor at LP Gas Magazine.

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