Mullen Automotive, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced a significant commercial EV order from Associated Coffee, a premier coffee and snack distributor serving the San Francisco Bay Area. The order consists of 10 Class 3 EV cab chassis trucks, which will be fulfilled by Papé Group, a major West Coast commercial dealer group and authorized Mullen EV sales and service dealer. This partnership marks an important step forward in Mullen’s efforts to support sustainable transportation solutions for businesses.
For over 40 years, Associated Coffee has been providing high-quality office coffee services and refreshments across the San Francisco Bay Area. Based in San Leandro, California, the company serves more than 5,000 businesses in Northern California. Associated Coffee is committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations. This includes sourcing from local suppliers, implementing in-house recycling programs, and utilizing an innovative de-liming method, which eliminates the need for harsh chemical treatments in favor of a more environmentally friendly approach.
Associated Coffee also emphasizes reducing its carbon footprint by minimizing road time, pollution, and fuel consumption. With five strategically located branches in the Bay Area, the company is able to deliver products quickly while reducing its overall environmental impact. This focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with the growing trend of adopting electric vehicles (EVs), especially in the Bay Area, where EV infrastructure and adoption are well-established.
David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen Automotive, expressed pride in the partnership with Associated Coffee, stating, “Our commercial EVs are an ideal solution for office coffee and snack delivery services, and the San Francisco Bay Area is a well-known established region for electric vehicle adoption. We are proud to support Associated Coffee’s sustainability initiatives and their focus on operational efficiency.” The Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, is specifically designed for urban last-mile deliveries, making it an excellent fit for businesses like Associated Coffee that prioritize eco-friendly and efficient delivery methods.
Mullen’s commercial EV lineup includes the Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and the Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck. Both vehicles meet the stringent standards set by the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ensuring compliance with the highest environmental and safety regulations. These vehicles are designed to meet the needs of urban commercial fleets, offering excellent performance while contributing to the reduction of emissions and environmental impact.
The Mullen THREE, in particular, offers a substantial cost-saving opportunity for businesses in California. The vehicle qualifies for a $45,000 cash rebate voucher through the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP). When combined with the federal tax incentive of up to $7,500, the Mullen THREE offers significant savings for commercial fleet operators looking to transition to electric vehicles.
Founded in 1972, Associated Coffee has built a reputation for delivering quality products and exceptional customer service throughout the Bay Area. The company specializes in providing coffee, snacks, and other refreshments to businesses from Oakland to San Jose, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and everywhere in between. With the addition of Mullen’s EVs to their fleet, Associated Coffee is further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Mullen Automotive, based in Southern California, is a rapidly growing player in the electric vehicle industry, focused on developing and manufacturing the next generation of commercial EVs. The company operates two U.S.-based manufacturing plants, located in Tunica, Mississippi, and Mishawaka, Indiana. In August 2023, Mullen began commercial vehicle production in Tunica. The company received approval in September 2023 for federal EV tax credits, which offer eligible customers up to $7,500 per vehicle, further incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles in commercial fleets.
Both the Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE are certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the EPA, and as of January 2024, they are available for sale in the U.S. The recent CARB approval for the Mullen THREE under the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) allows for up to $45,000 in cash rebates at the time of vehicle purchase, making it an even more attractive option for businesses looking to reduce costs and emissions.
Mullen has expanded its dealer network, adding Papé Kenworth to its list of commercial dealers. Other dealers include Pritchard EV, National Auto Fleet Group, Ziegler Truck Group, Range Truck Group, Eco Auto, and Randy Marion Auto Group, covering key markets in the Midwest, West Coast, Pacific Northwest, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Additionally, Mullen’s Tunica manufacturing facility has received Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status, providing several benefits, including the deferment of duties and the elimination of duties on exported vehicles.
As more businesses and industries embrace sustainable solutions, the partnership between Mullen Automotive and Associated Coffee showcases the growing demand for electric vehicles in the commercial sector. This collaboration is a clear example of how businesses can integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations while benefiting from the economic advantages of transitioning to electric vehicle fleets.
To learn more about Associated Coffee, visit www.AssociatedCoffee.com.
About Mullen Automotive
Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is an innovative Southern California-based automotive company focused on creating the next generation of commercial electric vehicles. With manufacturing facilities in Tunica, Mississippi, and Mishawaka, Indiana, Mullen is committed to advancing clean energy solutions for the commercial transportation industry. The company’s vehicles are certified by CARB and EPA, offering businesses an eco-friendly alternative to traditional commercial vehicles. For more information, visit www.MullenAutomotive.com.
