NEW YORK and KANSAS CITY, MO - In an effort to improve fuel efficiency standards and lower carbon dioxide emissions, Duane Reade  announced a partnership with Smith Electric Vehicles to add Newton zero-emission, all-electric commercial trucks to its delivery fleet. With the addition of these medium-duty trucks, Duane Reade is the first retail pharmacy in the United States to choose fleet electrification through a pilot program with the global leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles.

The new eco-friendly additions to Duane Reade's delivery fleet will prove ideal for urban delivery applications that demand heavy stop-and-go driving, with a market-leading range in excess of 100 miles on a single overnight charge, a payload of more than 16,000 lbs. and an average annual operating cost that is one-third to one-half that of conventional diesel trucks. The Newton produces zero emissions, is virtually silent and features a regenerative braking system that reduces wear on the brakes while restoring charge to the battery.

Paul Tiberio, SVP Merchandising & Chief Marketing Officer of Duane Reade, commented, "In having a significant part of our retail foundation within the most dynamic urban center in the world, we want to do our part to conserve energy across all areas of operation by lowering our carbon footprint in addition to creatively integrating low-energy output solutions within Duane Reade stores. We are excited to partner with Smith Electric Vehicles and are confident the investments we are making today are not only good for the environment, but they also work to increase our business efficiency. Milea Truck Group and Continental Truck Body were major players in helping to bring Smith Electric to Duane Reade and building the truck body here in NYC, providing jobs for New Yorkers."

Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith Electric Vehicles, commented, "We welcome Duane Reade as the first retail pharmacy in the United States that has chosen fleet electrification as a viable economic option that also advances its sustainability goals. Duane Reade is joining a growing family of Smith vehicles in New York City that includes Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola and Down East Seafood. We're pleased to join Duane Reade in improving its bottom line while making the Big Apple cleaner and quieter."

This program is part of a continued energy initiative at Duane Reade, whereby all new and renovated stores feature 95 percent to 98 percent low-heat LED lighting, translating to approximately 40-percent less power consumption each year, eliminating the high-energy output air-conditioning units that were once required to mitigate the excessive heat produced by traditional light sources. In these same stores, Duane Reade has also incorporated Polyflor flooring, which is produced by using 30-percent less water than most other commercial surfaces. It requires little maintenance and cleaning, while presenting an average life span of 20 to 25 years, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.