Celebration of Southern California's Largest Deployment of Zero-Emission Delivery Trucks

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the South Coast Air Quality Management District, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, UPS, Electric Vehicles International (EVI), and others celebrate the deployment of 40 zero-emission delivery vehicles manufactured by EVI in California and operated by UPS in San Bernardino.  This event recognizes one of the largest concentrations in Southern California of fully electric  commercial trucks that will clean the air, save fuel costs, and create jobs in the heart of California.

"These all-electric vehicles remind us that California continues to be a dynamic center of innovation," said Governor Brown.  "These trucks were built here, they'll be driven here and they're already changing the way business is done here – Cutting emissions and eliminating the need for tanker trucks worth of fossil fuels."[1]

"Electric Vehicles International (EVI) is proud to partner with UPS on this deployment of California-made zero-emission package cars," said Ricky Hanna, CEO of EVI. "EVI is honored to be a part of UPS's fleet, which is advancing state-of-the-art logistics in California and around the world."

"This partnership is advancing  Governor Brown's Executive Order for widespread deployment of zero-emission vehicles throughout California," continued Hanna. "We would like to recognize the hard work and genuine partnership of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), West Coast Collaborative, California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, and Calstart.  Without the help of these public and private partners, this large deployment of clean, zero-emissions trucks would not have happened here in California."

Partners in Advancing Transportation and Cleaning the Air:

South Coast Air Quality Management District

"This is one of the largest deployments of zero-emission trucks in all of Southern California and will help not only bring immediate clean air benefits to the San Bernardino area but help accelerate wide-spread use of zero-emission technologies for cleaner air throughout the region and state," said Dennis Yates, Mayor of Chino and Vice Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Environmental Protection Agency

"EPA has invested over $1.4 million to help bring these electric trucks to the streets of San Bernardino," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  "By cutting diesel emissions, local residents breathe cleaner, healthier air, and by reducing greenhouse gases, we take another step in our battle against climate change."

California Energy Commission

"These zero-emission vans will help clear the air and demonstrate that advanced technology vehicles are here today," said James A. Bartridge, Advisor to Energy Commissioner Janea A. Scott. " The Energy Commission is proud to collaborate with other leading agencies to support the statewide deployment of vehicles to help address tailpipe emissions from the transportation sector, one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state."

California Air Resources Board

"This is a historic day for Southern California and for clean air," said California Air Resources Boardmember Barbara Riordan. "These trucks are the very first steps in the state's program to move toward zero-emission heavy duty vehicles – and that all-important transformation is beginning right here at UPS in San Bernardino."

UPS

Bruce MacRae: "This deployment introduces the cleanest, most efficient vehicles to UPS's fleet, allowing us to continue to improve the environment in the communities where we operate and reduce our dependency on foreign energy. The vehicles have a range of 90 miles and will help keep the air clean in and throughout the South Coast Air Basin."

About EVI: EVI is a pioneer in zero emission electric vehicle development, manufacturing and deployment, with over 20 years of success optimizing zero emission, all-electric Powertrains. Our vehicles are manufactured with the most efficient electric motors and the safest, longest-lasting batteries, seamlessly integrated into tough American-built chassis relied upon by fleet operators throughout the nation and the world. To participate in a vehicle demonstration, please visit our website at www.evi-usa.com or call 209.939.0405.

[1] As stated in the February 5, 2013 UPS/EVI event in West Sacramento.

SOURCE Electric Vehicles International