Peterbilt launches zero-emission vehicles at ACT Expo

Peterbilt launches zero-emission vehicles at ACT Expo

(Photo: Thomas Wasson/FreightWaves)

ANAHEIM, Calif. – OEM Peterbilt recently announced the release of a broad range of zero-emission vehicles at ACT Expo. These include the-next generation Model 579EV and an all-new Model 576EV, the industry’s first electric heavy-duty conventional vocational truck, according to the company.

“The Next-Generation Model 579EV and the All-New Model 567EV demonstrate our ongoing

commitment to design and manufacture the most durable and technologically advanced trucks to support customers’ success. These vehicles extend zero-emission solutions to a wider field of customer applications, introduce new driver technology and increase operating range,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer, at a press conference.

The 579EV tractor is targeting short-haul, drayage and regional haul applications sporting a new Paccar ePowertrain and updated styling. For vocational needs, the 576EV was showcased with a Rogue 15-yard dump body. Charging solutions include a portfolio of chargers running from 60 kW to 180 kW, with additional options including a 400 kW charger. Depending on the configuration, the truck can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge and recharge in as little as two hours.

Infrastructure, cost and range remain challenges for EV Class 8 trucks when it comes to penetrating the long-haul segment. For the day cab 579EV showcased at the booth, its current capabilities and charging times are more suited toward opportunity charging during dwell and charging after the driver completes a shift.

Vocational segments are another area of growth, partially from the benefits of an EV, which has less energy consumption compared to idling a running diesel engine on jobsites. Weight concerns are less a factor as these vehicles are operating on private job sites and not public roads.

Kenworth expands portfolio with T680E and T880E electric trucks

Kenworth also recently announced a major update to its electric vehicle lineup at ACT Expo in Anaheim. The company introduced an updated T680E battery-electric truck and launched the industry’s first Class 8 vocational battery-electric truck, the T880E. The announcements come as Kenworth expands its zero-emission vehicle portfolio with advanced powertrain technology, extended range capabilities and new driver-focused features.

The updated T680E and new T880E both feature a centrally mounted drive motor powered by Kenworth’s ground-up Paccar-developed ePowertrain platform, delivering 365-470 horsepower of continuous power with up to 605 peak horsepower and 1,850 pound feet of torque. Both vehicles are now available for order from Kenworth dealers across the U.S. and Canada, with deliveries expected to begin later in 2025.

“Our engineering team has worked diligently over the past several years to develop a PACCAR integrated battery-electric platform from the ground up,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, in a news release. “This strategic approach enables us to provide a truck and a powertrain for every job that effectively meets customer needs based on range, performance, reliability and ease of service.”

FreightWaves had the opportunity to drive the newly released battery-electric vehicles earlier in April at a test event hosted by Kenworth at the Paccar Technical Center in Mount Vernon, Washington. The facility has over 600 employees and includes a test track where media representatives were able to drive various types of fuel, power train and equipment configurations.

Read the full article here.

Kalmar and Forterra announce autonomous terminal tractor

Kansas-based Kalmar Ottawa announced at Anaheim’s ACT Expo the Kalmar Ottawa AutoTT, an autonomous terminal tractor designed to operate in distribution centers, container terminals and industrial yards. The AutoTT is undergoing a second round of testing at distribution centers across North America, with plans to expand into container terminals and other industrial locations globally following successful tests. Full production is anticipated by late 2026.

The partnership between terminal tractor manufacturer Kalmar and autonomous systems provider Forterra was established in March 2024 with Kalmar being the OEM solution. The autonomous technology relies on Forterra’s AutoDrive, an autonomous driving platform built for both commercial and military applications. Kalmar is also providing Kalmar One, a scalable automation platform in use for container operations, allowing customers to manage fleets of up to 200 autonomous units.

The announcement and second round of testing will be followed by continued improvements in the drive-by-wire technology, which controls things like acceleration. The next milestone slated for 2025 will be a proof-of-concept validation with operational fleets. Following validation, a broader pilot with select customers will follow with a safety driver being present before Kalmar launches full production by late 2026.

The Kalmar Ottawa AutoTT will first be available for the Kalmar Ottawa T2. An electric version, T2EV, was announced earlier in March. The Kalmar Ottawa T2EV is Kalmar’s third-generation electric terminal tractor, building on additional improvements compared to the first-generation EV, which was launched in 2018.

Briefly noted …

Autonomous middle-mile logistics provider Gatik announced the appointment of its first chief financial officer (CFO) and chief legal officer (CLO) as it prepared to launch its driver-out freight operations later this year. Patrick Archambault will be CFO, and Judi Otteson was appointed as CLO with a focus on guiding companies through high-value IPOs, mergers and acquisitions.

ABB E-mobility announced the expansion of its EV charging portfolio through three new charging products: the field-upgradable A200/300 All-in-One chargers, the MCS1200 Megawatt Charging System for heavy-duty vehicles and the ChargeDock Dispenser for flexible depot charging. The company is building on the success of the A400 and C50 launched last year.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles proposed new rules for testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. According to a release, “Under the proposed new framework, heavy-duty AVs weighing 10,001 pounds or more can now be tested with a DMV-approved permit. The updated regulations also refine the guidelines for light-duty AVs, enhancing data reporting requirements and implementing recent legislative changes from AB 1777 (Chapter 682, Statutes of 2024). These include updated protocols for AV interactions with first responders and a new procedure for law enforcement to report potential non-compliance with traffic regulations by AVs.”

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