Food trucks in the U.S. have taken many forms, but have long been a popular option for dining. Now as the coronavirus pandemic alters the way we interact and engage with others, these kitchens on wheels may have a new function, especially on college campuses.
Rod Keller, CEO of the electric vehicle manufacturer AYRO is jumping at the opportunity to capitalize on the niche industry in a partnership with Gallery Carts. The new collaboration will combine AYRO's expertise in developing electric vehicles with Gallery's expertise in creating food delivery vehicles.
"Colleges are faced with, 'Well how do we provide food and beverage while at the same time, avoiding the mass crowds that you would typically see inside of a cafeteria?'" Keller told Cheddar.
So far, more than $500,000 has been poured into the collaboration as orders for the vehicles continue to amass. Keller said he's confident that as universities and other large campuses seek safer ways to feed their communities amid the pandemic, the need for their services will grow.
AYRO is also banking on buyers in higher education considering the long-term savings electric vehicles can provide. Keller said its electric vehicles save fleet operators at least 50 percent on fuel and energy costs.
"When people are moving cargo from one side of a university to another, or business campus, or hotel and resort, you don't need a full-sized truck with 400 miles of range running on gasoline to do that," Keller said.
Car debt is piling up for consumers, according to a Bloomberg News report. The outlet found that the amount of negative equity, or the amount that debt surpasses a vehicle's value, is building up.
Elon Musk took the stage for Tesla's 2023 Investor Day in Austin, Texas and unveiled what he called the company's Master Plan 3, which emphasizes "sustainable energy for all of Earth."
The cannabis industry is continuing to explode around the world and, at its current pace, is projected to balloon to a market value of nearly $60 billion by 2027, according to cannabis data company BDSA.
U.S. markets ended mostly lower on the first day of March, on data indicating inflation is likely to stay high and Federal Reserve policymakers hinted support for more aggressive rate hikes. Cheddar News speaks with Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist at CFRA who breaks down the market's action.