What you need to know:
- Lazer Logistics achieves over 2.5 million zero-emission miles using Orange EV battery-electric yard trucks, demonstrating real-world success in fleet electrification and operational efficiency.
- Battery-electric trucks deliver major cost savings—over $5 million in fuel and maintenance—proving a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to diesel across Lazer's 700+ locations.
- Lazer's EV fleet runs on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, offering up to 24 hours of power per charge, enhanced traction in cold weather, and reduced driver fatigue with zero engine vibration and instant cabin heat.
- Data-driven decision-making and in-house battery chemistry expertise position Lazer Logistics as a leader in sustainable yard management, with a scalable, utility-light EV deployment model.
Mark Twain once said that "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
That's exactly what Alpharetta, Ga.-based Lazer Logistics, the largest outsourced provider of end-to-end yard management solutions in North America, did when it purchased its first zero-emission Orange EV Class 8 heavy-duty yard tractor nine years ago.
A key component to the company's success is that it's unafraid to embrace the latest scientific advancements in powertrain technologies. Chris Bennett, Lazer's vice president of EV, energy, and sustainability, says he hired a chemical engineer several years ago "to monitor fuel types and evaluate what new technologies can and cannot do."
That expertise eventually led the company to acquire its first Orange EV—and it hasn't looked back since. Today, Lazer has more than 10,000 fleet assets in over 700 locations.
Lazer is part of a growing group of yard, drayage, and regional freight operators embracing a key industry shift: battery-electric as the emerging market-driven successor to diesel for these types of operations.
[Related: Inside the small Colorado city with a fully electric garbage truck fleet]
Speaking to Clean Trucking, Bennett explained, among other things, that "battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) just work better from a TCO perspective. The data bears out."
2.5M zero-emission miles, $5M+ saved
Lazer recently announced that its Electric Vehicle Spotter Program, a service that uses a large fleet of Orange EVs to handle the moving of trailers in a company's distribution yard, surpassed 2.5 million zero-emission miles, over 1 million hours of on-key EV operation, and over $5 million in fuel and maintenance savings.
This achievement didn't come out of nowhere but rather through comprehensive powertrain technology testing and analysis which included compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles and, of course, traditional diesel.
"Around a decade ago from an EV perspective, only a few customers had interest," explained Bennett. "One of our largest customers wanted to give EVs a shot. Our CEO was reluctant and skeptical, and we did have some problems with CNG," he added.
It took only six months after Lazer deployed the Orange EVs for the CEO to change his tune—and not just from a TCO perspective.
"Our CEO went to that first site and the workers said things like 'never put me in a diesel truck again.'"
Like drivers of passenger and other commercial EVs, employees reported significantly better driving experiences, including zero engine vibration, a quieter cabin, improved handling, instant acceleration, immediate cabin heat without the need for block heaters, and overall improved cold-weather performance.
"Thanks to the tractor's heavier curb weight and lower center of gravity—especially when not pulling a trailer—you're actually gaining traction, not losing it. That's great for icy conditions, efficiency, stability, and better handling in cold weather."
Lazer's success reflects an uptrend among fleets adopting battery-powered yard tractors, including Orange EVs and rivals like the Kelmar Ottawa T2 EV. While the environmental benefits are clear, battery technology is increasingly the smarter powertrain choice for many fleets, backed by solid science and data.
Proven battery chemistry and data
One key benefit of hiring a chemical engineer is that Lazer's leadership has a strong understanding of battery chemistry, enabling them to identify which BEVs are superior based on their battery types.
"We've made the decision to be a 100% lithium iron phosphate (LFP) shop until a better battery chemistry comes along," Bennett confirmed.
Orange EVs use LFP batteries, which can deliver up to 24 hours of power on a single charge, depending on battery size and usage.
"We evaluate every technology available—ammonia, ethanol, methanol. We constantly monitor the market and the data. Taking an 'all of the above' approach is smart. Our decisions are driven by data, and we're not afraid to try new things. That said, we need meaningful sample sizes to draw conclusions. It took us four years to determine that battery-electric vehicles were the right choice for terminal tractors. Once the data confirmed it, we didn't ease into the transition—we hit the accelerator."
Big financial savings
Orange EV recently announced its deployed North American fleet has surpassed 10 million operating hours thanks to having over 1,600 trucks across 40 states and four Canadian provinces.
The Kansas-based manufacturer estimates its vehicles have saved fleets $100 million in fuel and maintenance costs, and maintain an average uptime of 97%.
[Related: Orange EV and OptiGrid launch the 'Orange Juicer' battery-integrated DC fast charger]
Bennett can vouch for those savings and reliability.
"If we can make BEVs work for us economically, for our customers, then our customers are saving significant money in day-to-day operations versus running diesel," Bennett continued. "The tech is better for everyone and you save hard dollars. These are immediate savings. You no longer have a fuel and DEF bill. All of that goes away on the first day those EVs start. Ten thousand dollars a week in fuel is right back in your budget. Some customers get a return on investment in less than two weeks. We currently have 70 unique customers, many of which have multiple sites."
He added that customers only need to work with their local utilities to install the electrical infrastructure components and can still save money in less than two years, but cooperation between all parties is essential.
Teamwork between trucking, utilities, and regulators
While Lazer has nothing but praise for Orange EVs and BEVs in general, one vital area where Bennett sees room for improvement is the working relationship between trucking, utilities, and regulators.
"Many public utilities could benefit from stronger collaboration with the trucking industry. We need open conversations with utilities and regulators about what's actually possible and practical," suggests Bennett. "In about 95% of the sites we've deployed over the past nine years, we've been able to use existing building power without needing transformer upgrades or utility involvement. These electric trucks are so efficient that most chargers only run for one to three hours a day, typically serving two trucks per site. It's a simple, workable model but the public narrative often overlooks that."
And, of course, there's the data readily at hand.
"We have nine years of data showing the hourly savings of battery-electric trucks compared to diesel. Even if a facility spends around $5,000 a month on electricity, it's barely noticeable—unlike high diesel fuel bills. These trucks also have higher uptime because they break down less often. Plus, nearly all the energy from the battery goes toward moving the vehicle, rather than being lost as heat like in combustion engines."
Perhaps the simplest, most direct way to encourage greater cooperation—and attract more customers—is by presenting the data.
