Peterbilt Racking Up EV Miles

Peterbilt said it has completed nearly 40,000 real-world miles with its fleet of 16 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The company made the announcement at CES in Las Vegas, where it displayed several of its electric vehicles, including the Model 520EV, a low-cab forward vehicle for the refuse industry.

“The Model 520EV is leading the charge in battery-electric vehicles for refuse operations,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president.  “Demonstrator units have been operating on residential and commercial routes, working a full day on a single charge and charging overnight.  Our customers have been very impressed with the 520EV’s quiet operation, low maintenance cost and overall performance. We are excited that customers can begin to take deliveryof the Model 520EV next year.”

The Model 520EV is powered by a Meritor/TransPower Energy Storage Subsystem with a total storage capacity of 308 kWh. It is driven by a TransPower Mid-Ship MotorDrive Subsystem with up to 430 hp, delivering a range of about 100 miles and a four-hour charge time.

Alongwith the 520EV, Peterbilt’s electric fleet includes the Model 579EV, which is working on both drayage and regional haul applications. Additional vehicles will be put into service in the first half of 2020 in medium-duty pickup and delivery applications, including the deployment of the Model 220EV.

“Mileage accumulation is an important component of the validation process leading up to our low-volume production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt’s chief engineer. “All three platforms are performing well and customers are starting to see the benefits of these advanced vehicles.”

Pricing and option availability for BEVs is still on track to be available on the Peterbilt’s SmartSpec sales tool in the second quarter of 2020. Low volume production will begin in late 2020 for the Model 220EV and Model 579EV, followed by the Model 520EV in 2021.