There’s a major shift coming to New York City’s Hunts Point: trucks are going electric, and it’s being called the “Bronx Is Breathing” initiative. The goal? Cut diesel emissions and bring job opportunities to the local community—right in one of the busiest food distribution hubs in America.
A big part of this push is building an electric charging depot at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. Picture a facility with 32 fast chargers—8 of them set up for large Class 8 trucks—and room for smaller EVs, electric bikes, and scooters as well. This hub, backed by NYCEDC and developed by MN8 Energy, even includes a training center to help the community learn green‑tech jobs.
Mack Trucks is already on the ground, delivering its first LR Electric refuse truck to Royal Waste Services. That truck comes with:
- A 376 kWh battery (42% more energy and longer range than older versions)
- Twin electric motors delivering 448 hp and 4,051 lb‑ft torque from zero RPM
- Regenerative braking and fast charging using a standard 150 kW SAE J1772 connector
“This delivery represents more than just a new vehicle,” explained Mack Trucks North America President Jonathan Randall. “It’s a tangible step toward advancing sustainable transportation and demonstrates how the transportation industry can support community environmental goals. The Mack LR Electric offers zero‑emission operation while providing Royal Waste Services with a reliable solution for its operations.”
Royal Waste Services’ district manager, Michael Angelo Reali, added:
“Integrating this zero-emission Mack LR Electric into our fleet demonstrates that electric refuse collection can be both operationally effective and environmentally responsible.”
“This partnership with Mack Trucks and the broader Bronx Is Breathing initiative allows us to serve the Hunts Point community while reducing our environmental footprint and supporting the transition to cleaner transportation solutions.”
Later this year, Volvo Trucks North America plans to add four Class 7 VNR Electric trucks—plus refrigerated EV units—for City Harvest food rescue operations, all charging at the new Hunts Point hub.
Development is expected to get going in 2026. When it’s complete, the hub will support heavy trucks, vans, e-bikes, and more. Trucker tech and community training will go hand in hand, making this a rare combo of sustainable freight and local economic investment.
For drivers, this signals a bigger trend: electrification is coming to urban routes where operational stops and starts match EV strengths. Advanced trucks like the Mack LR Electric are already proving that they can juggle performance, range, and reliability—especially in tight urban settings.
(Image Source: Mack Trucks) Volvo Group Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Dawn Fenton, delivers remarks alongside New York State Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo (far right) and New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (right), along with representatives from NYSERDA, NYCEDC, and MN8 Energy.
Source: Trucking Info
