The era of the hybrid commercial semi truck may have just begun.
Austin, Texas-based ReVolt Motors, the manufacturer of the first Class 8 semi to be fitted with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, has just signed Page Trucking as its first fleet customer. The deal calls for Revolt to deliver five Peterbilt 579 tractors outfitted with its dual power system with an estimated 40% fuel savings compared to traditional diesel.
An additional 15 units will reportedly be delivered at a later date.
[Related: ReVolt Motors to debut retrofitted Peterbilt diesel-electric hybrid]
Revolt's unique powertrain was designed specifically for heavy-duty hauling, pumping out a total of 670 horsepower and 3,500 lb-ft of torque. It can travel up to 100 miles in pure EV mode for 100% zero-emissions.
As fleets across the country continue waiting for a battery charging infrastructure, ReVolt's fuel-agnostic system integrates a compact generator engine that continuously charges the batteries. In other words, the diesel engine serves as the power generator for the batteries, while the electric motor spins the wheels. This capability enables a 1,200-mile range without having to plug into an EV charger. With the simple flip of a switch, drivers can alternate from using the diesel engine on the open road to the electric motor.
This is significant because ReVolt-powered trucks can continue operating in states with strict zero-emissions mandates, such as California.
[Related: ReVolt Motors, Flordraulic partner for extended-range electric truck]
“Our industry is undergoing a major transition, and fleet owners need practical solutions that make financial sense while reducing our environmental impact,” said Dan Titus, CEO of Page Trucking. “ReVolt’s hybrid drivetrain lowers our fuel costs, providing our drivefrs with a powerful and efficient truck, all without the need for expensive charging infrastructure or worrying about state compliance mandates. The reduced emissions also enable our customers to reduce their Scope 2 emissions.”
Best of both worlds
ReVolt founder and CEO Gus Gardner told our sister publication Overdrive earlier this year that the hybrid system essentially turns the rig into an electric truck except it doesn't have batteries weighing thousands of pounds.
“Drivers should not have to choose between losing their longtime routes because of changing regulatory environments or losing the truck in which they have already made significant investments,” explained Gardner. “American truckers want their trucks to reflect their identity, and our retrofit technology allows them to continue driving the trucks they love while still making a living.”
Pricing, obviously, is a key driving factor but ReVolt hasn't provided precise numbers for its retrofit system though it costs significantly less than a full-on battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell semi, both of which can run for nearly $500,000.
Growing competition
With the recent bankruptcies of hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) semi manufacturers Nikola and Hyzon Motors along with the lack of a nationwide charging infrastructure for BEVs, some industry attention is turning towards Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) as a low-emissions solutions.
Can ReVolt's hybrid solution make a dent in RNG's growing popularity?
That remains to be seen but two things are necessary for that to happen: ReVolt needs to continue signing new customers and, equally important, receive EPA certification as a near zero-emissions solution.
We'll hear more from ReVolt Motors later this month at the Advanced Clean Trucking (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California.
