A big green truck recently started delivering fresh food and frozen seafood throughout New York City, emitting no fossil fuel emissions as it goes.

The all-electric refrigerated cargo truck is the first of its kind, and its body was built in Lawrence.

Known as Big Green, the truck was produced through a cooperative business venture between Lawrence-based Brown Cargo Van, New York City’s Down East Seafood, Smith Electric Vehicles of Kansas City, Mo., and Dole Refrigerating Co. in Lewisburg, Tenn.

Big Green is the first electric vehicle Down East owns. Both the chassis drive motor and the refrigeration compressor are electric and get plugged in at night to recharge.

Inspired by the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” Down East Seafood owner Ed Taylor wanted an electric vehicle for a delivery route that passes through residential areas that have high asthma rates among children.

The business contacted Smith Electric Vehicles, which referred it to Brown Cargo Van.

Building the truck’s body had its challenges, Brown Cargo Van President Dane Jennison said. The cost to build the truck’s body and refrigeration system was a little higher than a normal truck, but not having to pay for fuel or maintenance would make up the difference, Jennison said.

It’s feasible for the seafood company to use an electric truck because the delivery routes are typically around 60 miles, well under the 150-mile limit for a battery charge.

“No doubt a lot (of companies) are going to hybrid vehicles for all types of delivery produce and food. And, all-electric (vehicles) are going to have their place,” Jennison said.

Big Green made its first delivery May 14.