Peterbilt Motors Company recently demonstrated the capabilities of its new zero-emissions, all-electric truck by driving it to and from the summit at Pikes Peak to the west of Colorado Springs. This was done multiple times during a three-day period and captured on a special video presentation.
Peterbilt goes electric
The 579EV is Peterbilt's groundbreaking, battery-operated, Class 8 rig that is slated to be mass produced by the second quarter of 2021. The company says the 579EV's all-electric powertrain boasts 670 HP, is fueled by thermally controlled lithium-ion phosphate battery packs to propel the truck up to 150 miles. The batteries can be recharged in 3 to 4 hours. A fleet of 579EVs has been in use and accumulated more than 110,000 real-world miles. Peterbilt is currently taking orders from those who want to purchase this truck.
Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager, stated, “The Model 579EV features all of the aerodynamic benefits, driver comforts, superior visibility, spacious interior and safety measures the Model 579 is known for and combines them with the advanced technology of an electric powertrain, providing customers a premium, zero-emission solution for their business.”
Back in Colorado
The folks at Peterbilt thought that climbing America's most famous mountain road would be a great way to showcase the capabilities of this electric truck while testing its performance in extreme road conditions and cold temperatures. The drive to the Pikes Peak summit is nearly 12.5 miles long, incorporates 156 turns, has an average grade of 7 percent, and ends at an elevation of 14,115 ft. (a gain of 4,725 ft. from the base of the mountain). The video shows no snow accumulation, but temperatures dipped into the single digits by the time the driver reached the top.
The truck easily made the climb every time and benefitted from a regenerative braking system that charged the battery packs while descending the mountain. This gives the truck an extended range beyond the standard 150 miles.
Click here to see the video.
More information about the Peterbilt 579EV can be found at International Cranes Magazine's website by clicking here. Image above is a screen capture from the video.
January 19, 2021
