Penske is one of the largest for-hire fleets in the United States. In fact, they provide a range of zero-emission solutions to customers as states do start to go forward to adopt stricter air quality regulations. Thus Penske is in the process of validating several-, medium-, and heavy-duty battery-electric vehicles. This is an attempt to answer critical performance and maintenance questions. This is to make those trucks also offer what is considering a feasible total cost of ownership.
Penske Testing Class 8 Trucks
Penske, on the Class 8 side, has been testing the Freightliner Cascadia since 2019. The company also has several more Class 6 and 7 electric vehicle pilots.
All-Electric Ford F-650 Trucks
Penske Truck Leasing is presently testing two 26′ all-electric Ford F-650 trucks that have been developing by Roush CleanTech. The power is supplying by Proterra’s H Series Battery system. It does provide 165 kWh. In fact, the prototypes are being driven in California. There are more insights are showing from those tests. Moreover, Roush will start production on a second-generation version in Q2 of 2023. Then, Penske is going to be the first customer.
With a 100-mile range and the 8,500-lb payload is the electric F-650. A particular plus for this model. Moreover, drivers will not need a commercial driver’s license to operate the truck.
Electric Conversion
Starting out as a typical ICE version, the electric F-650 truck is at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant, and therefore it receives an electric conversion in Livonia, Michigan. It is a Roush CleanTech, with Proterra supplying the battery system. Then, after an upfitter installs the box, customers will, in fact, receive the truck. The Penske Truck Leasing is presenting validating two electric F-650 prototypes. Then it will become the first to receive the production model in Q2 of 2023.
“In fact, whatever knowledge we can gain over the period of time, that we’re learning, we will, in fact, share it with our customers. That is so they can make an informing decision as to when it’s right for them,” said Paul Rosa. Rosa is senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning for Penske Truck Leasing.
