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.