Nestlé bets on Autogas with 30% of its North American fleet running on this fuel

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Nestlé Waters North America has deployed more than 400 additional medium-duty ReadyRefresh℠ by Nestlé® beverage delivery trucks fuelled by Autogas. The company now operates nearly 600 of these alternative fuel trucks, which make up about 30% of its total North American fleet.

“Becoming a better steward of our environment is a priority for Nestlé Waters,” said Bill Ardis, national fleet manager for its ReadyRefresh business unit. “We have been running Autogas vehicles since 2014, beginning with five class 5 vehicles. 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 LPG being domestically produced, it is proven to have a more stable cost per gallon, while the fuelling and maintenance infrastructures are much more cost effective than other alternative fuel options.”

ReadyRefresh’s additional Ford F-650/750 delivery trucks are each equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech Autogas fuel system that provides 55 usable gallons of fuel, without compromising the standard delivery methods. The Ford 6.8L V10 3V engine with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system is certified to 0.05 grams per brake horsepower-hour for nitrogen oxide (NOx). This engine is 75% cleaner than the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard and 99% cleaner than diesel vehicles built before 2007.

The company’s vehicle operators cite additional benefits, including a quieter engine, powertrain performance equivalent to current diesel delivery vehicles, easy fuelling and simple operation. “Many of our drivers have provided positive feedback for the propane vehicles,” said Robert Austin, director of supply chain for Nestlé Waters North America’s ReadyRefresh business unit.

Nestlé Waters North America continues to make strides to create a more sustainable future through its use of alternative fuels. The company will continue to replace older delivery vehicles with Autogas to reach its goal of operating 52% on the alternative fuel by 2019. For more information, please check this link.

20 December 2017