Peterbilt’s EV-olution continues: Launches vocational 567EV, next-gen 579EV
ANAHEIM, California—Leaning on what it learned from its first heavy-duty battery electric truck, Peterbilt is rolling out its first vocational EV and updating its flagship Class 8 electric tractor.
Equipped with Paccar’s new ePowertrain, the new Model 567EV and next-generation Model 579EV offer increased range and advanced technology for fleets seeking to reduce emissions and enhance uptime.
“The completely new ePowertrain is the heart of the new EV models and a culmination of five-plus years of arduous testing and developing a battery electric platform befitting a Peterbilt,” Erik Johnson, the OEM’s assistant GM of sales and marketing, said during a sneak peak of the new trucks in Texas on April 14.
Peterbilt (and OEM sibling Kenworth) used the trucking industry’s largest gathering of alt-fuel-minded transportation leaders to debut the Model 567EV and a next-generation version of its Model 579EV on-highway tractor.
In the five years since the first 579EV debuted, Peterbilt engineers and executives have gained valuable insights into what makes a successful battery-electric operation. Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt’s chief engineer, said that the OEM understands how to better accessorize electric truck powertrains, for example.
“We’ve taken those learnings and put them back into the design,” he told industry media in advance of the truck’s launch. “We run them through some additional testing scenarios to take care of those things.”
Other than the quiet motor and less vibration, the next generation of Peterbilt’s EV trucks actually feel like trucks—not the more zippy and basic car-like character of years ago. “If you’re an operator, it operates like you’d expect a diesel to," Newhouse said.
New Paccar ePowertrain offers versatility
The two new Class 8 EVs feature the Paccar ePowertrain, a new electric vehicle architecture that can be adapted to various models and applications.
“We build custom trucks for people,” Johnson said during a media briefing about the new EVs at Peterbilt’s Denton, Texas, production plant earlier this month. “Every truck you saw down the line is different from every other truck that we’re building this year—completely custom. This new powertrain gives us flexibility of building different bodies, different customer expectations on the same platform.”
Before the truck launch, Peterbilt leaders shared some of the electric powertrain features:
- Midship-mounted eMotor: Dual electric motors and integrated 3-speed transmission offer seamless shifting without losing torque
- Multiple power options can benefit different applications and needs, offering up to 605 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) chemistry.
- Selectable three-stage regenerative braking.
- Flexible architecture allows for integration with existing suspensions.
The trucks can support wheelbases of 190 inches or longer, and applications with a gross combined weight of up to 82,000 pounds.
Peterbilt’s design and innovation
Peterbilt's common design philosophy is reflected in these two new EV models. Both the next-generation Model 579EV and new 567EV feature:
- Paccar ePowertrain
- EV-specific digital driver display with performance and charging data
- SmartLINQ integration indicating energy usage, location, and range
- Configurable powertrain and cabin preconditioning
- Configurable charge start times to take advantage of lower electricity rates
- Electronic Park Brake system electronically controlled brakes with full software integration
About Peterbilt’s new EV SmartDisplay
A new SmartDisplay—a 13-in. infotainment touchscreen with a control dial—is available in both new EVs. Drivers have quick access to essential functions such as HVAC controls and AM/FM/satellite radio. It also features advanced productivity applications, including vehicle health monitoring, navigation, and a dealer locator. Beginning in 2026, Virtual Vehicle, an online app marketplace, will be added.
How Peterbilt and Pacaar charging works
Peterbilt’s parent company, Paccar (which also used ACT Expo to introduce new electric Kenworth trucks), has developed charging and EV partnerships aimed at helping fleets deploy zero-emission vehicles.
Dealers have a lineup of AC and DC chargers available through Paccar Parts, including options with capacities of up to 350kW. The company is also partnered with QMerit and Schneider Electric for charging infrastructure planning and installation.
