Pride Group Enterprises is adding more electric trucks to its fleet.
After testing a Peterbilt battery-electric truck in daily operations for more than a month, the Texas-headquartered transportation and logistics provider says it ordered 200 Freightliner eCascadia and 50 eM2 trucks this month.
The company plans to electrify its entire local delivery fleet within the next one to two years. Deliveries of the Freightliner trucks are expected to commence in mid-2023, Freightliner said.
“I am very confident to bring these trucks into our lineup,” said Sam Johal, president of Pride EV, who test-drove the new Freightliner electric vehicles (EVs). “With the improved range up to 230 miles prior to recharge, these trucks will be a great asset. These units easily manage 10-14-hour trips—a regular driving day.
Launched this year, the eCascadia is well suited for short-haul routes that allow for depot-based charging, Freightliner said. With 320-470 horsepower and a maximum battery capacity of almost 440 kilowatt-hours (kWhs), the electric flagship truck can reach a typical range of 230 miles in applications like last-mile logistics, local and regional distribution, drayage and warehouse-to-warehouse routes. Series production of the eM2 is expected to start next year.
Freightliner EV features include:
- Typical range of 230 miles (depending on vehicle configurations)
- Multiple battery options and maximum capacity of almost 440 kWhs
- Recharge of 80% in approximately 90 minutes
- Up to 82,000 pounds max GCW (gross combination weight)
- Available with single or tandem eAxle
- 116-inch daycab configuration
- 320-470 hp
Developed and engineered in-house by Detroit, the eCascadia boasts a fully integrated ePowertrain for maximum power, increase driving dynamics and driver comfort, all with zero emissions, Freightliner said. With functionality, optimization, and safety as priorities, the eCascadia uses Connect eServices to maximize uptime, productivity, and profitability. Release of the series marks the debut of the new Detroit Assurance safety feature: Active Side Guard Assist (ASGA), an industry-first feature that adapts to urban speeds (12 mph or less) to mitigate incidents with moving cyclists or pedestrians.
Pride will take delivery of the electric units in the U.S. and Canada, where it has headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. They’ll be available for short- and long-term rentals through TPine Truck Rental. Customers can choose to rent the truck or use the rental services for the truck with an EV-trained and experienced professional driver.
