Portland, Maine-based Three of Strong Spirits and Merge Electric Fleet Solutions have partnered to advance sustainable fleet solutions in the craft beverage industry.
As the first step, Three of Strong has adopted a Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup from Merge for sales, distribution and getting the team to tasting events and festivals. They’ll be serving the same beloved premium rums and craft cocktails but with an overall decrease in the distillery’s carbon footprint.
The results from the first 41 days are significant, resulting in an 89% reduction in carbon emissions compared to a traditional gas-powered Ford F-150. This equates to a total decrease of 1,429 lbCO2e, highlighting the significant environmental impact of adopting EVs.
One hundred percent of the Lightning’s charging sessions happened at the distillery’s location, utilizing Level 2 (L2) chargers as the electric pickup rested, meaning drivers didn’t need to disrupt their workday to refuel.
Co-founder of Three of Strong, David McConnell, mentioned that this collaboration “marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to find a greener way to get around … we are taking a significant step towards reducing our ecological impact while maintaining the exceptional quality that our customers really appreciate.”
The partnership was paved by the New England Environmental Finance Center (NEEFC), a testament to the commitment to sustainable practices and environmental preservation.