Manhattan Beer Distributors, a major New York City-based beer and beverage distributor, has placed an order for five Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks — the first zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric trucks to be deployed in Manhattan Beer Distributors’ fleet of more than 400 delivery trucks.

These VNR Electric models from Volvo Trucks North America will service the delivery fleet’s routes to retail customers throughout metropolitan New York City, Long Island, and surrounding counties from one of the company’s warehouses located in Hunts Point in the Bronx.

Designed for local and regional freight distribution, the Volvo VNR Electric significantly reduces emissions for decarbonized transportation, reduced CO₂ emissions, and cleaner air. The five Volvo VNR Electric trucks purchased by Manhattan Beer Distributors are the first commercial sale of this model outside of California.  

Manhattan Beer Distributors is one of the largest beverage distributors in the U.S. and the largest beer purveyor in the New York City area, serving nearly 25,000 customers from five operational sites located in and around metropolitan New York. For more than 20 years, Manhattan Beer Distributors has demonstrated a leadership role in sustainable transportation, driven by a goal of reducing the company’s environmental impact.

“Manhattan Beer Distributors prides ourselves on implementing sustainable practices into all our operations and investing in the future because it’s the right thing to do,” said Simon Bergson, president of Manhattan Beer Distributors. "We are excited to offer a zero-emission delivery solution to our customers and look forward to putting more Volvo VNR Electric trucks into our fleet operations.”

The company has been a Volvo Trucks customer for 13 years. It started building its low-emission fleet more than two decades ago, including more than 150 Volvo VNR and VNL trucks powered by compressed natural gas. 

The purchase has helped spur the development of a regional sales and service network for the VNR Electric, led by Volvo Trucks dealership Milea Trucks & Leasing, which serves New York City and the tri-state area. Milea is installing battery-electric truck charging infrastructure and specialty equipment in its maintenance bays, as well as training its service technicians on the complete electromobility system and safety regulations. 

The dealership will provide preventive maintenance and vehicle repairs, included in the premier Volvo Gold Contract service and support package available with the Volvo VNR Electric.

“Manhattan Beer Distributors is a long-time customer that shares our goal of protecting the environment and improving air quality in the region," said Barry Milea, principal for Milea Truck & Leasing. "We are confident that getting these first five Volvo VNR Electrics on the road in New York will help demonstrate to other fleet customers that they can make the successful transition to battery-electric power as well.”

Manhattan Beer Distributors secured funding for the Volvo VNR Electric trucks from New York State’s Volkswagen settlement funds, through the New York City Department of Transportation’s NYC Clean Trucks Program. New York State’s Volkswagen settlement plan, Clean Transportation NY, was developed to reduce emissions in major transportation corridors, including Hunts Point, by funding zero-emission vehicles and equipment.