@NACV: Peterbilt Showcases E-Vehicles

Peterbilt Motors Co., a PACCAR company, showcased its zero-emission vehicles at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show (NACV) in Atlanta and said that it would begin taking orders for the vehicles in the first quarter of 2020.

“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 said it currently has 16 trucks in operation collecting real-world mileage 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,” said Skoog.

The Model 579EV is currently in use by the third-party logistics provider Biagi Bros., the Model 220EV, was recently added to the Frito-Lay, PepsiCo fleet, and a Model 520EV is being used in refuse applications.   

Biagi Bros. placed the Model 579EV in service this month. 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 rated up to 430 hp, offering a range of about 133 miles and a charging time of one hour with a fast-charging system, Peterbilt said.  

Frito Lay took delivery of the first Peterbilt 220EV in early October. The 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 that delivers up to 335 hp. It provides 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, Peterbilt said. 

The Model 520EV configuration, designed for the refuse market, is powered by a TransPower energy storage subsystem with a total storage capacity of 308 kWh. It also incorporates a TransPower mid-ship motor drive subsystem rated to 430 hp, which provides 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,” said Scott Newhouse, chief engineer for Peterbilt Motors Co. “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, Wash.

 “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.” cc