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Project

Zero-Emission Beverage Handling and Distribution at Scale

The project deployed 21 BYD Class 8 Day Cab (8TT) electric trucks and installed charging infrastructure at four Anheuser-Busch distribution facilities in the Los Angeles region. Rooftop solar was added at one site to help offset charging energy use. Based on driver feedback, BYD improved truck range, acceleration, suspension, and ergonomics to better support a wider range of applications. The project demonstrated that zero-emission operations can be achieved across AB’s distribution activities with minimal changes to fleet logistics. With successful deployment, the team gained confidence and experience to scale electrification across the full fleet, showcasing operational, financial, and environmental benefits. Project partners included BYD Motors (manufacturer), Anheuser-Busch (fleet operator), ENGIE Services U.S. (solar and charging developer), and CTE (project manager and technical consultant).

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

Pomona Site
  • Four BYD Class 8 Day Cab (8TT) trucks
  • Four 40 kW BYD Chargers
Riverside Site
  • Four BYD Class 8 Day Cab (8TT) trucks
  • Four 40 kW BYD Chargers
Carson Site
  • Eight BYD Class 8 Day Cab (8TT) trucks
  • Eight 40 kW BYD Chargers
  • 958 kW Rooftop Solar Array
Sylmar Site
  • Five BYD Class 8 Day Cab (8TT) trucks
  • Five 40 kW BYD Chargers

Lessons Learned:

  • Anheuser-Busch tested BYD’s second-generation 8TT truck in April and May 2019. Based on feedback, modifications were made, including a redesigned rear assist handle and adjusted fifth wheel height, which were incorporated into the final design.
  • In early 2021, a multi-week power outage at the Beach Cities distribution facility disrupted operations. However, Southern California Edison (SCE) provided an emergency generator, allowing continued use of electric trucks.
  • Integrating data loggers proved challenging. The presence of three separate telematics devices per truck caused interference, resulting in poor communication and incomplete operational data.

Status Updates:

  • All 21 trucks were delivered, accepted by Anheuser-Busch, and deployed starting in August 2020.
  • All chargers are currently in operation at three sites, and the solar array is producing electricity at the Beach Cities facility.
  • The fleet has experienced an average of 94% uptime and logged 116,478 miles through June 2021.

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: October 2018 – Spring 2022
  • GRANTEE: The Center for Transportation and the Environment
  • PARTNERS: Anheuser-Busch, BYD Motors LLC, ENGIE Services U.S., Inc.
  • GRANT NO.: G17-ZNZE-03

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $5,530,303
  • Matching Funds: $5,795,866
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $11,326,169

Partners

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