By Briana Hilton, Contributor
Uncle Gussy’s is known as one of NYC’s most famous food trucks. Serving Greek food since 1971, Uncle Gussy’s has a big following and (usually) a queue for its famous gyros, Greek salad, and fries.
However, as Fox News reported in 2022, it’s getting harder and harder to stay in business, owing in no small part to rising fuel costs. To operate gear, food trucks need to keep their motor running. They also have to purchase propane to power their heating equipment. The owners reported, for instance, that it cost them around $1000 just for monthly fuel to power a generator—twice the amount they used to pay not that long ago.
This, alongside rising food prices, has meant that the food truck owners have had to raise their prices… and they worry that, in the long run, this could cost them customers. But what if there was a solution? What if food trucks could afford to sell their food at lower prices by cutting down on their fuel costs?
The answer lies in making the switch to eclectic power. Let’s look at the benefits of EV for food trucks.
Lowering Fuel Costs
A study by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute has found that the average cost of powering an electric car was less than half of the cost of that involved in purchasing fuel for a gas-powered vehicle. In 2023, the non-partisan policy form, Energy Innovation, showed that across the US, all EV models are cheaper to fill than gas-powered vehicles.
Food truck owners will indeed have to make an initial investment to purchase an electric truck, but the investment will pay for itself in a little over a decade. And for businesses like Uncle Gussy’s and other longstanding food trucks, standing the test of time is key. Cost savings can be reduced further by checking out EV ratings and looking at factors such as regenerative braking (in which the vehicle is recharged every time the driver steps on the brakes), lightweight materials, and efficient electric motors.
Boosting Your Brand
If you have a food truck business, then going electric is a key way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Statistics show that around 78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important, and 55% of people are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products and services.
Of course, you don’t need to limit yourself to making the switch to an EV truck. You can up the green appeal of your business by purchasing organic and locally sourced ingredients, eliminating single-use plastics, and using ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and other equipment. Investing in these initiatives can help your business stand out from your competitors, and establish your team as one that embraces innovation.
Embracing the Quiet
If your food truck is in a busy city, you can help reduce noise pollution by using an EV truck. No longer will customers have to listen to an annoying generator hum or the roar of your engine. The quietness of EVs makes them a great addition to trucks operating in quieter areas or spots close to residential zones.
Happier Staff
Staff who cook and prepare food in a food truck are those most affected by heat, noise, and fumes. Giving your personnel the chance to work in a quieter, cleaner environment can improve their quality of life and reduce churn.
Sustainability is a vital consideration not only for your customers but also for your staff, many of whom value working in a forward-thinking, eco-friendly workplace.
Fast to Charge
If you decide to opt for an electric EV, choose one with fast charging capabilities. This will ensure that if you move from city to city, it will be fast and easy to fully charge your battery. Check out the number of Level 3 (DC) fast charging stations in your area of operation. A level 3 charger can fully charge the average electric vehicle in a time frame of between 20 minutes to an hour.
It is getting increasingly expensive to keep food trucks open, as the owners of Uncle Gussy’s Food Truck attest. Rising food and fuel costs mean that changes must be made if food truck businesses are to stay open. Switching to an EV model should be considered an investment that pays off in the long run. The change is ideal for food truck business owners who are thinking long-term and valuing their brand reputation and environmental impact.
