Peterbilt makes several announcements at CES

Peterbilt EVsPeterbilt Motors Company has made several announcements this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which include a collaboration with Dana on electric truck powertrain development, updates on its electric vehicle program and production news about its Model 520.

Peterbilt will integrate Dana’s Spicer Electrified e-propulsion system into its 220EV chassis. The truck also will 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 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, the company says.

“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,” says Jason Skoog, Paccar vice president and Peterbilt general manager.

Mark Wallace, Dana president of commercial vehicle drive technologies, says, “We are pleased to collaborate with Peterbilt by providing the complete e-powertrain, including the integration, and upfit for the Model 220EV electric vehicle. 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.”

Peterbilt announces updates of electric vehicle program

Peterbilt has completed nearly 40,000 real-world miles with its fleet of 16 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

“With this milestone, we continue our leadership position in the industry,” says Skoog. “No other OEM has three models of BEVs in service with customers, handling a variety of applications.”

Peterbilt Chief Engineer Scott Newhouse says, “Mileage accumulation is an important component of the validation process leading up to our low-volume production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020. 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.

Record production of Model 520

Peterbilt had on display at CES its battery-electric 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,” says Skoog. “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 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 says.

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,” Skoog says. “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 company says. 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,” Skoog says.

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