ROCHESTER, NY - The move to create more sustainable, efficient systems is not an easy one, and often requires innovative ideas and partnerships. As Wegmans continues to expand its geographic footprint beyond its already sizeable 103 stores and two distribution centers reaching over seven states, the grocer has announced that it is partnering with Hyliion to create a diesel-free fleet of trucks. Together, the two companies will work to continue Wegmans’ commitment to an efficient fleet that lowers the company’s carbon footprint.

“For many years, we’ve focused on running our fleet as efficiently as possible, from our driver training programs and our mile-per-gallon initiative, to the addition of compressed natural gas vehicles and collaborative partnerships with leading technology suppliers. It’s the right thing to do for our company and the environment,” explained Matt Harris, Fleet Maintenance Department Manager at Wegmans. “What we’ve accomplished over the last several years with Hyliion, ANG, and most recently Volvo, allows us to completely rethink the makeup of our fleet, how we run it, and shows the rest of the industry what’s truly possible with the right combination of technologies.”

With the help of Hyliion, Wegmans has recently added three new trucks to its fleet that boast much lower carbon emissions, but remain just as efficient. According to a statement from the company, the additions include two new compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks featuring near-zero NOx emmissions Cummins engines, and one that features a Hyliion hybrid system.

The new engines allow Wegmans to reimagine the future of its truck fleet in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly light.

“Like Wegmans, fleets want the fuel savings and emissions benefits that come with transitioning away from diesel, but also need practical solutions that are going to meet the needs of their businesses. That’s why we designed the CNG Hybrid system,” said Thomas Healy, CEO and Founder of Hyliion. “We’re proud to work with Wegmans to not only bring this first-of-its-kind technology to market, but to collaborate on achieving the company’s long-term sustainability initiatives.”

Hyliion is a leader in electrified powertrain solutions for commercial vehicles like trucks used for hauling. The company was able to retrofit Wegmans’ CNG truck with an electric drive axle to give the vehicle the power necessary for the job, but make it more environmentally conscious at the same time. After testing, the system has become a viable option for the future of Wegmans’ transportation operations.

“Until now, we could only use diesel trucks to pull tandem sets. They’re our most powerful engines with the lowest fuel economy (MPG), making them the highest diesel consumption trucks we have,” continued Harris. “With this one hybrid electric CNG truck, we’ve flipped that on its head and taken the dirtiest job on the highway and made it the cleanest part of what we do.”

As the grocer continues to test new options, one thing is clear: the future of its trucking operation of nearly 175 trucks is on its way to becoming diesel-free.

What other partnerships will come into play as Wegmans continues to look for new innovative solutions for its sustainability goals? Keep reading ANUK for the answers.

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