Peterbilt updates electric vehicle program, announces electric powertrain collaboration with Dana

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2020) in Las Vegas January 7, Peterbilt announced a new partnership with Dana as well as updates to their electric-powered vehicle program. With their Battery-Electric Refuse Model 520EV on display at this year's event, Peterbilt announced that they have now completed nearly 40,000 real-world miles with a fleet of 16 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). "With this milestone, we continue our leadership position in the industry," said Jason Skoog, PACCAR Vice President and Peterbilt General Manager.

"No other OEM has three models of BEVs in service with customers, handling a variety of applications," said Skoog.

"Mileage accumulation is an important component of the validation process leading up to our low-volume production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020," added Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. "All three platforms are performing well and customers are starting to see the benefits of these advanced vehicles."

As of the end of 2019, Peterbilt's fleet includes Model 579EVs in drayage and regional haul applications as well as Model 520EVs in refuse applications. Additional vehicles will be put into service in the first half of 2020 in drayage, regional haul, medium-duty pickup and delivery applications including the deployment of the Model 220EV.

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.

"PACCAR and Peterbilt are leading the charge in the implementation of advanced technologies in the service of our customers," concluded Skoog.

Peterbilt displays battery-electric refuse model 520EV at CES, announces record production of Model 520

Peterbilt Motors Company is displaying its battery-electric Model 520EV, a low-cab forward vehicle for the refuse industry, at the CES event in Las Vegas from January 7-10.

"The Model 520EV is leading the charge in battery-electric vehicles for refuse operations," said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Inc 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," Skoog said.  "We are excited that customers can begin to take delivery of 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 Motor Drive Subsystem with up to 430 HP, features a range of about 100 miles and a four-hour charge time.

Peterbilt also announced record production rates and sales growth for the Model 520. 

"Peterbilt has set low-cab forward truck production records five years in a row," said Skoog.  "Since the launch of the 520 in 2017, customers across North America have put this truck into service at a record pace.  The 520 gives Peterbilt the fastest growing presence in the refuse business, and has made us a top player with a best-in-class product."  

The 520 is designed to address every segment of the refuse industry.  The truck is available in right-hand, left-hand, right-hand standup and dual drive configurations.  The updated interior offers a quiet work environment for drivers and allows for simplified integration for body builders.  Powertrain options further the 520's flexibility, with the availability of the PACCAR MX-11 10.8 liter Diesel engine, a natural-gas powered CUMMINS ISL12-N, as well as the battery-electric Model 520EV.

"Even at the Model 520's record production rates, we have more capacity to satisfy the demand of our refuse customers, who continue to benefit from the performance, durability and reliability of this outstanding product," concluded Skoog.

Peterbilt and Dana announce collaboration on electric truck powertrain development

Peterbilt Motors Company and Dana also announced this week a new collaboration on electric powertrain development for Peterbilt Model 220EV battery electric vehicles. The announcement was made in conjunction with CES that opened January 7th in Las Vegas.

Peterbilt will integrate Dana's Spicer^® Electrified™ e-propulsion system into its 220EV chassis. The truck will also be equipped with two battery packs and an on-board charger.

The 220EV features a range between 100 and 200 miles. Using the vehicle's DC fast-charging system, the state-of-the-art, high-energy density battery packs can recharge in about an hour, making the 220EV ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations.

"Peterbilt continues to lead the charge by providing the industry's largest lineup of electric vehicles.  By using the Dana electric powertrain for the Model 220EV in the Medium Duty pick-up and delivery market, we will be ready to meet the growing demand of our customers who want to incorporate zero-emissions vehicles into this application," said Jason Skoog, PACCAR Vice President and Peterbilt General Manager.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Peterbilt by providing the complete e-powertrain, including the integration, and upfit for the Model 220EV electric vehicle," said Mark Wallace, president of Commercial Vehicle Drive Technologies for Dana. "Combining Peterbilt's advanced technologies with our own expertise in delivering end-to-end turnkey electric systems, will result in highly-efficient solutions that will lead to low total cost of ownership."