Peterbilt Motors Company showcased its three electric vehicle configurations for refuse, regional haul, and city delivery applications during the North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACVS) held October 28-31 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Peterbilt is leading the charge in electric vehicle development, with industry-leading configurations in three applications for zero-emissions performance,” said Jason Skoog, PACCAR vice-president and Peterbilt general manager. “Peterbilt’s comprehensive electric vehicle lineup allows us to support our customers’ diverse needs.”
Peterbilt currently has 16 trucks in operation collecting real-world mileage for environmentally friendly solutions with an additional 21 trucks going into service in the first half of 2020.
“Peterbilt customers will be able to receive pricing information and begin ordering one of Peterbilt’s three electric vehicle configurations the second quarter of 2020, and Peterbilt will begin low volume production of these units by the end of 2020,” Skoog said.
Show attendees were able to get a first-hand look at the Model 579EV, which is currently in use by the third-party logistics provider Biagi Bros, the Model 220EV which was recently added to the Frito-Lay, PepsiCo fleet, as well as a Model 520EV for refuse applications.
Model 579EV
Biagi Bros placed the Model 579EV in service in October. “Biagi Bros has a history of green fleet operations, and we’re extremely proud to have partnered with Peterbilt to add the 579EV to our diverse fleet of special trucks, tractors, and trailers we use to serve our customers,” said Gregg Stumbaugh, Director of Equipment for Biagi Bros.
The 579EV utilizes a TransPower Energy Storage Subsystem with a total storage capacity of 264 kWh. It is driven by a Meritor Blue-Horizon Mid-Ship Motor Drive Subsystem with up to 430 horsepower and features a range of about 133 miles and a charging time of one-hour with a fast-charging system.
Model 220EV
Frito Lay, a division of PepsiCo, took delivery of the first Peterbilt 220EV in early October. “Frito-Lay is continuously exploring current and emerging technologies for our freight equipment as we work toward reducing PepsiCo’s absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030,” said Michael O’Connell, vice-president of Supply Chain, PepsiCo. “PepsiCo and Frito-Lay have a longstanding relationship with Peterbilt and are excited to partner in the advancement of electric vehicles within our fleet and to be the first customer to put the Model 220EV in service in our delivery operations.”
The zero-emissions Model 220EV is powered by two TransPower battery packs with a total storage capacity of 148 kWh, and a Meritor Blue-Horizon two-speed drive eAxle with up to 335 horsepower. It features a range of more than 100 miles and a recharge time as low as one hour with a fast-charging system, making it an ideal option for local pick-up and delivery operations.
Model 520EV
Peterbilt’s Model 520EV configuration is designed for the refuse market. The 520EV is powered by a TransPower Energy Storage Subsystem with a total storage capacity of 308 kWh. It is driven by a TransPower Mid-Ship Motor Drive Subsystem with up to 430 horsepower and offers a range of about 100 miles and a four-hour charge time.
“We have designed our electric vehicles to perform as well as a diesel powertrain truck. Right now, we’re focused on is gaining real-world miles in real-world applications, with additional rigorous testing at the PACCAR Technical Center in Mount Vernon, Washington,” said Scott Newhouse, chief engineer for Peterbilt Motors Company. “We believe these three applications—refuse, regional haul and city delivery—will provide the most immediate and near-term return on investment for our customers.”