Foodstuffs North Island’s first electric truck has been named Evie following a competition won by a Year 2 student at Palmerston North’s Russell Street School.
Madison submitted the winning name ahead of other shortlisted entries including Buzzy Bee, Lightning and Bolt.
The name has been signwritten onto the truck and Foodstuffs has ordered a personalised GOEVIE registration plate.
Evie operates from the co-operative’s Mihaere Drive Distribution Centre in Palmerston North, carrying chilled and frozen groceries to stores across the lower North Island.
The truck travelled nearly 45,000km during its first six months and avoided more than 81,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions, according to Foodstuffs.
The company says this is equivalent to removing about 35 petrol-powered cars from the road for a year.
Foodstuffs North Island general manager supply chain Yang Zhang says the competition allowed local children to become involved with its first electric heavy vehicle.
“Our trucks are out on the road every day delivering food to stores and communities, so we thought it would be great to get the kids involved and give our first electric truck a bit of personality,” Zhang says.
“There were some brilliant ideas, but Evie was a pretty fitting name for an EV.
“The best part is knowing Madison and the other students will be able to spot Evie out on the road and know they played a part in it.”
Electric freight trial
Foodstuffs is using the truck to learn more about operating battery-electric heavy vehicles as it works towards reducing its emissions by 42% by 2030.
“Moving heavy vehicles away from diesel is one of the tougher parts of reducing transport emissions, so it’s great to see Evie out there doing the job every day,” Zhang says.
“And now it’s got a name. Hopefully Evie becomes a familiar sight around Palmerston North and the lower North Island.”
The winning name was unveiled at an event attended by students, local PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square grocers, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere.
Russell Street School principal Nick Rate says the competition connected students with a project operating in their local community.
“The kids have really enjoyed being part of this. They’ve bought into the competition and have been keen and curious about who has won the naming rights,” Rate says.
“It’s pretty special for Madison to know the name she came up with will now be driving around on the truck.”
Foodstuffs presented the school with $500 in PAK’nSAVE gift cards and a scale model of the truck.
Madison received a $50 gift card for selecting the winning name, while her teacher also received a $50 gift card.
