Peterbilt says it already has completed nearly 40,000 real-world miles with its fleet of 16 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as it embarks on a partnership with Dana to develop an electric powertrain for the 220EV medium-duty truck.
The announcements helped kick off the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas NV.
Heading into 2020, Peterbilt’s electric fleet included 579EVs in drayage and regional-haul applications, as well as 520EVs in refuse applications. Additional vehicles will be put into service in the first half of this year in drayage, regional-haul, and medium-duty pickup and delivery applications, including the deployment of the new 220EV.
“With this (40,000-mile) 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.”
Pricing and option availability for BEVs is still on track to be available on Peterbilt’s SmartSpec sales tool in the second quarter of 2020, the manufacturer said. Low-volume production will begin in late 2020 for the 220EV and 579EV, followed by the 520EV in 2021.
“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.”
For the new 220EV, Peterbilt will integrate Dana’s Spicer Electrified e-propulsion system into the chassis. The truck also will be equipped with two battery packs and an on-board charger, Peterbilt said.
“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.”
The 220EV features a range of 100 to 200 miles, the company maintained. Using the vehicle’s DC fast-charging system, the 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.
“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,” Skoog said.