Peterbilt, a leading manufacturer of trucks, is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market. At the recent 2024 Commitment to Class event, the company showcased its latest initiatives and demonstrated several models of electric and diesel trucks. One of the key figures at the event was Patrick Wallace, the electric vehicle marketing manager for Peterbilt, who highlighted the company’s efforts to deploy end-to-end solutions for electric vehicle applications and meet regulatory requirements, including those set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Jim Wallace, the director of medium-duty for Peterbilt, emphasized the importance of providing individualized solutions for various industries and applications. With an estimated 240,000 to 280,000 Class 8 truck sales in the U.S. and Canada this year, and slightly more than 100,000 medium-duty truck sales, Peterbilt is positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
Patrick Wallace discussed the success of Peterbilt’s EV medium-duty and heavy-duty lineups, noting that they are selling at similar rates. The company has strategically chosen applications where EVs make sense, leading to successful deployments in diverse geographic locations such as Anchorage, Alaska, and Phoenix. However, one of the challenges for fleets operating in extreme weather conditions is the impact on range, requiring careful route planning and storage solutions to optimize performance.
EV sales are highest in states that have adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, with more than a dozen states already on board. The upcoming Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 requirements in 2027 are expected to drive more widespread adoption of EVs nationwide. To assist fleets in navigating these regulatory changes, Peterbilt is actively involved in educating customers, securing grant funding, and providing support for charging infrastructure installations.
The cost of EVs, which can be double or more than a diesel equivalent, remains a concern for fleets. Grant funding plays a crucial role in bridging this cost gap, making EVs more financially viable. Despite the initial investment, EVs offer long-term benefits such as lower fuel costs, especially in regions with low electricity rates. Peterbilt provides a total cost of ownership calculator on its website to help fleets make informed decisions.
Charging infrastructure installations can pose a barrier to adoption due to long lead times. Peterbilt works closely with customers, infrastructure partners, and its sister division Paccar Parts to develop timelines for EV deployments and recommend appropriate equipment. The power requirements for charging medium- and heavy-duty trucks are significant, necessitating large chargers and infrastructure to support them.
While California-based companies show strong interest in EVs, deployment may be easier in other states with lower electricity costs and less congested utilities. As the industry prepares for upcoming regulations such as CARB’s low-nitrogen oxide standards, Peterbilt remains committed to supporting customers through the transition. With a focus on reducing dwell time and enhancing service capabilities, the company is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for the evolving trucking industry.