Peterbilt has just unveiled a new wave of battery-electric trucks, rolling out fresh medium-duty models designed to meet an even wider range of commercial needs.
[Related: Peterbilt launching first vocational BEV, the Model 567EV]
The new trucks—the 536EV, 537EV and 548EV—expand the company's zero-emission portfolio and are built on its already established truck platforms. Each model delivers fully electric operation with zero tailpipe emissions and comes equipped with updated safety and driver-assistance features.
"Optimized for the demands of the medium duty segment, the next generation of Peterbilt electric vehicles deliver excellent efficiency, rapid charging and versatile configurations elevating customer productivity across a wide range of applications," said Erik Johnson, Peterbilt assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
Peterbilt's new medium-duty EVs
The 536EV and 537EV are built for regional distribution fleets and a range of service and utility roles, while the heavier Class 8 548EV is tailored for 4x2 tractor operations and vocational work requiring PTOs, such as dump applications.
[Related: Inside the small Colorado city with a fully electric garbage truck fleet]
All three trucks debut a refreshed exterior that boast blue accents on the crown and grille, along with EV-specific hood panels. Inside, they feature a Magneto Gray cabin highlighted by laser-etched trim designed exclusively for the electric lineup.
Drivers will enjoy a suite of upgraded performance and productivity features, including two battery capacities that deliver up to 280 miles of range and support for 350kW DC fast charging, which can bring the pack to 80 percent in just over 80 minutes.
Operators can integrate furnished-by-owner ePTO systems rated at 25kW with the two-battery setup or 150kW with the three-battery configuration. The models also offer configurable PTO controls, industry-standard body lighting interfaces, flexible frame layout options, and enhanced driver-focused elements such as improved ergonomics and full LED lighting.
PACCAR's ePowertrain
At the heart of the new medium-duty electric lineup is PACCAR's ePowertrain, also used in the 579EV and 567EV. The flexible system pairs a midship dual-motor setup with a three-speed transmission for smooth, uninterrupted power and can be configured to deliver up to 605 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. It uses durable LFP batteries, offers three-stage regenerative braking, and supports 4x2 and 6x4 configurations, wheelbases of 163 inches or more, and applications up to 82,000 pounds GCW.
The manufacturer adds that it's also bolstering its electric truck rollout with expanded charging support. Through partnerships with leading infrastructure providers, the company offers a full range of AC and DC charging equipment—up to 400 kW—available through PACCAR Parts at its dealerships. Customers can also tap into planning and installation services provided by QMerit and Schneider Electric, streamlining the path to operating battery-electric fleets.
