A growing number of US-based corporations have been deploying battery-electric and/or hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) semis over the past several months - a trend that's going to continue for years to come - and now Honda has joined that list.
[Related: DHL declares: 'Tesla Semi ready for prime time']
Late last summer, the automaker began a pilot program with Alabama Power and Virginia Transportation Corp. (VTC) by putting into service a Peterbilt 579EV battery-electric semi to transport newly built Hondas from the Lincoln, Alabama plant to the CSX railhead for shipment to dealers in the US and elsewhere.
Additional pilot project supporters include the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Peterbilt.
“We remain committed to delivering for our customers and the environment,” said Leo Doire, owner and CEO of Virginia Transportation Corp. “Our new Peterbilt 579EV model will be tested to determine how well it performs against the high productivity demands of our operations. The partners we have at the table will help us maximize this opportunity and prepare to scale up if we get the results we are hoping for.”
The truck, a Peterbilt Model 579EV Day Cab, boasts a battery-electric drive system featuring large packs of thermally managed lithium iron phosphate batteries. Its 400 kWh storage capacity translates to a total of 670 horsepower and a daily range of around 150 miles. It requires only a three-hour charge time.
[Related: Ohio Peterbilt's Cleveland location earns EV certification]
Back in 2011, Honda began working with VTC to investigate and, eventually, implement emission reduction methods. Aside from the ongoing Peterbilt EV project, the plant's other transportation semis have already switched from traditional diesel to compressed natural gas, resulting in the displacement of 475,000 gallons of diesel annually.
[Related: RNG-fueled trucks 'most compelling carbon reduction strategy,' says Hexagon Agility VP]
“Alabama Power’s ‘Make Ready’ program provides businesses with valuable rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of installing EV infrastructure,” said Alabama Power Electric Transportation Manager Hasin Gandhakwala. “We are committed to partnering with customers who are exploring state and federal grant opportunities. Alabama Power is dedicated to advancing EV technologies to better serve the needs of our customers."
