heavy-duty electric vehicle charging station

Penske Logistics today announced that it has successfully logged more than 10,000 over-the-road miles making multiple, daily store deliveries on dedicated routes in Southern California for a leading quick service restaurant chain using two, electric Freightliner Innovation Fleet eCascadias. The company believes it is the first truck fleet operator in the United States to achieve such a feat.

"For a fleet that runs trucks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 10,000 miles may not seem like a milestone, but we believe we are the first fleet in the United States to make daily store deliveries using battery electric heavy-duty tractors for regional distribution," explained Marc Althen, president of Penske Logistics. "We are extremely proud of our dedicated team and thankful to our partners at Freightliner and Daimler Trucks North America. Without them, this landmark would not have been possible. We're quite impressed with the performance of the eCascadia."

The eCascadias operated by Penske Logistics are part of Freightliner's Electric Innovation Fleet. The fleet is testing the integration of battery electric trucks in large-scale fleet operations. The Freightliner Innovation Fleet is supported by a partnership between Daimler Trucks North America and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which focuses on improving air quality in California's South Coast Basin and partially funded the Innovation Fleet with a nearly $16M grant.

Penske Logistics provides dedicated contract carriage services through its expansive network in North America with over 5,500 safe, professional drivers, and a modern truck fleet integrated with advanced safety systems, transportation management and real-time freight tracking systems. Truck drivers from Penske Logistics handle deliveries for a variety of market-leading companies in industries including automotive, food, grocery and beverage, manufacturing, quick-service restaurants, and convenience store chains.

[Read more...]Show less

Penske Truck Leasing is growing its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of the Kalmar Ottawa Electric Terminal Tractor (T2E). The introduction of these new all-electric commercial vehicles into Penske’s fleet is another in a series of recent moves the company has undertaken to test and showcase innovative electric vehicles and help bring them to market.

“We remain committed to being at the forefront of commercial vehicle electrification for our customers,” explained Brian Hard, president and CEO of Penske Transportation Solutions. “Adding the capability of an electric terminal tractor is a natural next step as they are an essential part of the mix for fleet operations. Penske and Kalmar Ottawa have a long-standing relationship and we look forward to continuing to work with them to provide our customers with reliable and innovative yard trucks for their fleets.”

Penske Trucking Leasing has previously announced the addition of light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty battery electric vehicles to its fleet as well as the construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We are proud and excited to once again partner with Penske Truck Leasing to supply innovative and environmentally friendly equipment solutions,” said Doug Queen, vice president solution sales terminal tractors at Kalmar Ottawa. “The fact that the Penske organization has chosen us to provide this asset for their fleet solidifies the commitment of both Kalmar Ottawa & Penske Truck Leasing to be part of a cleaner and more sustainable environment for generations to come.”

The Kalmar Ottawa T2E is powered by lithium-ion battery technology and features an on-board inverter charger that allows the machine to be opportunity charged during natural working breaks.

Penske Truck Leasing’s subsidiary, Penske Logistics, will be the first to use the new T2E in California. The vehicle is designed for trailer-handling operations in truck yards, warehousing and distribution centers, container terminals, and related operations where short-distance travel is required.

By Kim Harmsen

[Read more...]Show less

Penske Truck Leasing is growing its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of the Kalmar Ottawa Electric Terminal Tractor (T2E). The introduction of these new all-electric commercial vehicles into Penske’s fleet is another in a series of recent moves the company has undertaken to test and showcase innovative electric vehicles and help bring them to market.

[Read more...]Show less