Spotlight: Down East Seafood Brings Electric Taylor Trucks to the Bronx
“I want every company to run electric trucks like the Electric Taylor Truck—it’s not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ That’s the message from Ed Taylor, owner of Down East Seafood, on why this Bronx-based fish distributor is making waves in sustainable logistics. His story shows how one local business can lead the charge toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and a greener economy.
A Business Rooted in Community
Located in the heart of Hunts Point, Down East Seafood delivers fresh fish to restaurants and markets across New York City. Yet for Taylor, business is never just about seafood. It’s about people. The Bronx has long been burdened with some of the nation’s highest asthma rates, particularly among children. In fact, the rate here is seven times higher than the national average. Much of that stems from relentless diesel truck traffic passing through the borough every day.
Taylor saw firsthand how pollution was damaging his community. Instead of accepting the problem as the cost of doing business, he began asking tough questions: what if his company could deliver fish without contributing to the very health crisis hurting his neighbors? That question led him to rethink the future of freight and consider the Electric Taylor Truck as part of the solution.
The Electric Taylor Truck Inspiration
The turning point came when Taylor watched Who Killed the Electric Car?, a documentary that sparked global conversations about clean mobility. The film highlighted the barriers facing electric vehicles, but it also revealed their potential. For Taylor, it was eye-opening. If personal cars could go electric, why not delivery trucks like the Electric Taylor Truck?
Determined to find out, he flew to the United Kingdom to test drive the Smith Electric Newton. What he found exceeded expectations. “Smith was light years ahead,” he recalled. “And now, they’re built right here in the U.S.” That confidence was enough to convince him that the technology was ready for prime time.
The First Big Leap
With support from BOEDC and NYSERDA, Down East Seafood secured funding for its first electric truck, an Electric Taylor Truck. The vehicle was affectionately nicknamed Big Green, a bold symbol of change parked right in the middle of Hunts Point.
Big Green was more than just a delivery truck—it was a statement. It showed that small businesses could lead on sustainability. It demonstrated that cleaner fleets were not some far-off dream, but a real solution rolling through the Bronx today.
Building Momentum with “e2”
The experiment worked. Customers noticed. Community leaders praised the move. And Taylor wasn’t done. By April 2011, Down East Seafood introduced a second electric truck, simply called e2.
Adding e2 proved that Big Green was not a one-off gesture. It was the start of a shift in how the company operated. Taylor believed that if his Electric Taylor Truck could run on clean power, then every company in New York City could eventually do the same.
Local Power, National Pride
Taylor takes pride not only in cutting emissions but also in supporting local industry. “Just like the Smith Electric Newton,” he said, “our electricity is made right here in the USA.” For him, electrifying the fleet wasn’t only about health—it was about energy independence, reduced reliance on foreign oil, and a stronger national economy.
By sourcing power domestically and choosing trucks built in the United States, Down East Seafood aligned sustainability with patriotism. Clean energy became not just good for business, but good for the country.
Electric Taylor Trucks: A Model for Other Fleets
The story of Down East Seafood has ripple effects far beyond the Bronx. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t limited to tech giants or global corporations. Small and mid-sized companies can make bold moves that inspire others. By adopting electric trucks early, particularly the Electric Taylor Truck, Taylor set an example for distribution companies, logistics providers, and local businesses nationwide.
Of course, challenges remain. Electric trucks require upfront investment, charging infrastructure, and ongoing support. Yet Taylor’s success proves these obstacles can be overcome with the right mix of vision, partnerships, and persistence. His journey shows that when leaders put community health and sustainability first, the business case follows.
Leading by Example
In the end, Down East Seafood didn’t just buy trucks—it made a commitment to a healthier Bronx. Ed Taylor chose to act where others hesitated. He turned inspiration from a documentary into concrete change. He invested in vehicles that reduce pollution, save energy, and send a clear message that the clean transportation future has already arrived.
As Taylor himself insists, the real question is no longer if electric trucks like the Electric Taylor Truck will dominate city streets—it’s when. Down East Seafood shows that the “when” can start today.
