American truck brand Peterbilt has announced its biggest electric semi sale to date – with Swedish transport company Einride AB ordering 150 of the company’s 579EV BEV trucks.

Einride is known for its “Freight Capacity as a Service” offerings that transport customers with a managed, low-risk way to transition to zero-emission transportation. Integrating electric and autonomous vehicles, charging depot infrastructure, and their proprietary digital freight platform, Einride Saga.

Einride has been operating large-scale semi fleets internationally since 2020, setting the standard for sustainable logistics along the way. This fleet of new Peterbilt electric vehicles will service Einride’s North America customers.

“We are proud to announce this partnership with Peterbilt and Rush Peterbilt Truck Centers as we combine our technology platform with their premium hardware to provide a market leading offering as we collaborate on the future of electric freight,” said Niklas Reinedahl, general manager North America at Einride. “Bringing new technology to market is imperative to enabling the switch to electric freight operations and we look forward to seeing this further scale Einride’s footprint in the market.”

Peterbilt’s 579EV class 8 semi has an 82,000 lb. GVWR and a 670 peak hp (536 continuous) electric motor. Its 400 kWh battery is good for 150 miles of range, and can be fully recharged in about 3 hours on a DC fast charger.

“Peterbilt is a leader in commercial vehicle electrification and offers the industry’s most complete lineup of electric vehicles. Our focus on creating reliable zero emissions solutions enable Einride to electrify end-user fleets and support reducing tailpipe emissions in the transportation industry,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Model 579EV is an example of that focus and is the flagship of the Peterbilt electric vehicle lineup.”

Electrek’s Take

Einride is making big moves on the international scene, so seeing them ramp up their US business is great news for the American trucking business. And, while I’m admittedly surprised that a Swedish company like Einride would opt for a Peterbilt instead of a Volvo fleet, Petes are great trucks, and PACCAR won’t let them down.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Peterbilt.

In a bid to help the city of Kingston, Ontario achieve its sustainability goals, town leaders ordered two Mack LR Electric refuse models – the first two BEVs in its refuse fleet.

The City of Kingston developed a strategic plan for 2023-26 on its way to net-zero emissions by 2040. Part of that plan “to lead environmental stewardship” involve reducing carbon emissions from city operations with a comprehensive zero-emission fleet transition plan.

“We are excited for the opportunity to utilize the electric refuse trucks as some of our first ASL vehicles,” explains Karen Santucci, director, Public Works and Solid waste for the City of Kingston. “Increased safety for staff combined with a more environmentally friendly truck, offer benefits to both our staff and our residents.”

The city’s current refuse fleet currently includes 14 garbage trucks, seven recyclers, and two medium-duty packers. But while the Mack LR Electric models will be the first BEVs in the refuse fleet, Kingston also has two electric transit buses, six electric ice re-surfacers, and 35 light-duty BEVs and PHEVs in operation – so it’s well on its way towards full fleet electrification.

To support those electrification efforts, Kingston is deploying two of Mack Trucks’ 50kW Heliox chargers, with additional plans to deploy a 150 kW DCFC at their Transit Bus Depot.

The trucks themselves are among the first examples of the next-generation Mack LR Electrics to ship with 376 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries – which promise 42 percent more energy and increased range than before. Two electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and a staggering 4,051 lb-ft of torque from 0 RPM.

Electrek’s Take

Look, there is absolutely zero chance that I’ll be able to remain objective about anything that’s putting down more than four thousand lb-ft of torque. Make that thing quieter, cleaner, and generally better for me and my community, and there’s even less of a chance of me saying anything critical about it.

Here’s hoping more cities go electric rather sooner than later.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Mack Trucks.

The 2024 FIAT 500e MSRP is $6,500 cheaper than the Tesla Model 3, yet it costs $100 per month less to lease the Model 3 – here’s why.

The folks at CarsDirect did some lease comparisons between a Tesla Model 3 and a FIAT 500e. Based on a down payment of $3,409 in FIAT’s online payment estimator, the 2024 FIAT 500e is listed at $414 per month for a 36-month lease. That assumes an MSRP of $34,095 and 10,000 miles a year but doesn’t include the first month’s payment, bringing the amount at signing to at least $3,819, but before the acquisition fee. The FIAT’s effective cost comes out to $520 a month.

Compare that to the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, which is listed at $299 a month, with $2,999 at signing for 36 months, 10,000 miles a year. The Model 3’s effective cost is $382 a month. It has an MSRP of $40,630 which is higher than the FIAT 500e’s MSRP by $6,535.

The FIAT 500e has a range of 141 miles. The cheapest Model 3 has a range of 272 miles, plus you of course get access to Tesla Superchargers.

The FIAT 500e doesn’t qualify for the IRA tax credit, and there’s some lease cash quirks: CarsDirect reported in April that Stellantis Financial is offering the 2024 Fiat 500e with $7,500 in lease cash, but Chrysler Capital is offering it with just $3,750. 

So if it’s practicalities and cost be damned because you’re in love with the FIAT 500e’s retro styling, make sure you hustle to get the best lease cash deal.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Tesla Model 3 in stock.–affiliate*

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the FIAT 500e in stock.–affiliate*

Read more: I just swapped a Tesla Model 3 for a Model Y and Elon Musk’s brutal layoffs ruined the experience

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