One of the many intriguing innovations to catch OnionBusiness.com Publisher Sherise Jones’ eye during the recent National Onion Association Convention tours was an electric utility truck on display at Gills Onions in Oxnard, CA.
Clean lines and the promise of a cleaner environment were part of the allure, and of course there’s the fact that escalating gas prices don’t mean much to an electric utility truck.
“From a marketing perspective I saw this truck from Aireoso as the perfect ‘vehicle’ to carry the message of sustainability and to reduce emissions,” Sherise said. “It’s a great conservation tool.”
Julie Locke and Justin Locke from CVS Ag in Paso Robles, CA, were repping the truck, which is a Yosemite from Aireoso.
“We launched them at World Ag Expo in Tulare,” Julie said. She added that the “ride and drive” event gave attendees the opportunity to “take them for a spin and see a few of our customization options first-hand.”
Photo courtesy of Julie Locke
She said, “Our first truck went to Rio Farms in Oxnard. Steve Gill and his team currently use it at their farms and in their warehouses. Rio Farms has always been an environmentally conscious pioneer in the fresh produce processing industry, and all of their business practices follow their comprehensive sustainability plan. The Yosemite fits right into their sustainability practices.”
The Yosemite specs are pretty amazing: This little beast is a 100 percent electric all-terrain UV that was designed to be used for ag or commercial purposes. It runs on standard car batteries, plugs into a standard 110 outlet for charging, has a four-hour charge time and an 80-mile range, and it starts at $15,799.
“We have had extreme interest in all industries – agriculture, foodservice, hospitality and municipality, just to name a few,” Julie continued. “The combination of sustainability, durability and the option to customize make it a fit for any industry.”
The Yosemite comes in half-ton and one-ton models, has purpose-based bed options, can tow 1,500 pounds and has optional four-wheel drive.
It also comes with plenty of safety and comfort features, including adjustable bucket seats, 3-point safety belts, durable non-slip floors, a heater, and air conditioning. The truck also features safety glass, complete headlight and brake light system and a back-up camera.
Top speed isn’t Indy 500, but unless you want to lay rubber in the field, that’s not an issue.
“We are currently taking orders for our next shipment,” Julie said. “For more information, please call 1-833-247-3676 or visit our website, www.aireoso.com.”
We’re impressed.
