Volvo and Mack trucks dealer Ballard Truck Center in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is now a Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer, equipped to service and support EV trucks from both OEMs. The two companies, which are part of Volvo Group, said this makes Ballard their first certified EV dealer in New England.
“Ballard Truck Center is another example of a dealership that is committed to support both diesel-powered and battery-electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Randall, SVP of sales and commercial operations at Mack Trucks. “Mack and Ballard are committed to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals, and we congratulate Ballard on this milestone.”
Expanding Volvo’s Certified EV Dealer network into New England is another critical step in developing widescale Class 8 truck electrification, according to Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We congratulate Ballard Truck Center for being the first dealership to complete the training program in Massachusetts—making it the eighth U.S. state to have one or more Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealerships—and commend their team’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Ballard Truck Center features 11 service bays, one of which is dedicated to servicing electric vehicles. The Tewksbury branch has 11 technicians, four of whom are master techs, and three of whom are EV-certified. According to the OEMs, the 31,000-sq.-ft. branch has $1.5 million in parts inventory.
Dealers must meet numerous stringent infrastructure, training, safety, charging, and tooling requirements to become a Certified EV Dealer. Mack and Volvo leaders met regularly with Ballard executives to ensure a smooth process and that all standards for EV certification were met, according to a press release.
“Ballard wanted to be sure that we were ready to accommodate our customers for when they choose to purchase an electric vehicle,” said Robert Picking, head of business development for Ballard Truck Center.
The Volvo VNR Electric model is a zero tailpipe-emissions transportation solution for fleet operators supporting local and regional distribution, pickup and delivery, and food and beverage distribution. The next-generation Volvo VNR Electric, which can cover up to 275 miles on a single charge, began production in the second quarter of 2022.
Launched in March 2022, the next-generation Mack LR Electric features a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity, offering 42% more energy and increased range between charges. Twin electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM.
Ballard Truck Center, a fifth-generation family-owned business, was founded in 1906 as a blacksmith shop. Ballard Truck Center has five branches in Massachusetts: Tewksbury, Avon, West Springfield, West Wareham, and Worcester. Ballard also has a location in Johnston, Rhode Island.
