The company already operates the largest fleet of electric commercial vehicles in North America, comprising 176 Smith Newton trucks across 18 cities and surrounding areas in the United States and Canada.

It said the vehicles allow it to save 500,000 gallons of diesel annually, contributing to a 75% reduction in greenhouse gases and fuel costs, as well as cutting noise levels in cities. The Newton covers up to 150 miles on a single charge and offers a 7,250kg payload.

Mike O’Connell, senior director of fleet for Frito-Lay North America, said: ‘The electric vehicle program builds on a long-standing commitment by Frito-Lay North America and its parent company PepsiCo to environmental sustainability.

‘With the seventh largest privately owned fleet in the U.S., we have set a goal of becoming the most fuel efficient fleet in the country, and these vehicles give us an opportunity to use the latest advances in transportation technology as a significant way to reduce our environmental impact.’

Funded by the United States Department of Energy, the Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition aims to promote the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and develop an electric charging infrastructure across the state.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick, commented: ‘Frito-Lay’s investment in cleaner, more sustainable transportation serves as an excellent example of a major US  corporation, PepsiCo, making a significant public commitment to the reduction of  greenhouse gases and reduced energy consumption. The Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition applauds Frito Lay’s leadership in this area.’