UNFI Begins Fleet Electrification Project at Gilroy, CA Distribution Center
July 31, 2026 3 minute read
UNFI has started construction on an integrated fleet electrification and energy infrastructure project at its distribution center in Gilroy, California. The initiative is part of UNFI’s continued focus on improving operational effectiveness and efficiency while reducing its environmental impact.
The site will support UNFI’s largest EV fleet to date, with infrastructure capable of charging up to 30 electric trucks. Powering the fleet will be a new 1.5 megawatt onsite solar array, paired with onsite battery energy storage to capture and store excess renewable energy. The project is expected to more than double the distribution center’s capacity to generate renewable energy and improve energy efficiency across our operations.
By integrating on-site solar generation, battery storage, and EV deployment, this project is expected to help improve supply chain resiliency, stabilize long-term energy costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions while supporting reliable, cost-effective service for customers. These investments also help customers work toward their own climate goals.
“This project reflects how we’re continuing to strengthen our distribution network to better serve customers and suppliers, while building a more resilient and efficient supply chain,” said Kevin Alavi, Director of Sustainable Operations at UNFI. “We’re making progress against our sustainability goals while continuing our mission of delivering better food and helping create a better future for everyone we serve.”
Learn more about UNFI’s impact strategy.
Project partners:
Trio: Trio is a global energy and sustainability advisory company that helps organizations navigate the energy transition. Learn more: https://www.trioadvisory.com/
PowerFlex: PowerFlex is a clean technology solutions company making the transformation to carbon-free electrification and transportation possible. Our energy acceleration platform, PowerFlex X™, monitors, controls, and co-optimizes onsite assets such as EV chargers, solar, energy storage, and microgrids — reducing overall energy costs through patented algorithms that maximize the use of distributed energy resources. Learn more: https://www.powerflex.com/
Zeem Solutions: Zeem provides a single-source solution for zero-emission commercial fleets, delivering vehicle leasing, charging, energy storage, grants and incentives, and managed depot operations, all under one contract. Learn more: https://www.zeemsolutions.com
This project was made possible in part with funding from the California Energy Commission and the Bay Area Air District.
California Energy Commission: The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies. For more information, visit https://www.energy.ca.gov
Bay Area Air District: The Air District improves air quality to protect public health, reduce historical and current environmental inequities, and mitigate climate change and its impacts. Learn more: https://www.baaqmd.gov/