In early August, Peterbilt delivered two Model 579 electric vehicles to Quantix for use in the company’s drayage operation in its Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, facilities.

Quantix, which operates in the chemical industry, is one of the first in the nation to receive the 579EVs. The company has been prepping to receive these trucks for some time. Initially planned for delivery in December 2021, the trucks were held up due to truck backlogs and production issues contributed to by COVID-19 pandemic-induced component shortages.

The fully integrated, all-electric 579EV powertrain provides a range up to 150 miles. When used in conjunction with a recommended DC fast-charger, the high-energy density battery packs recharge in 3 to 4 hours, making the 579EV ideal for regional haul, drayage, pickup and delivery, and last mile operations.

The company will use the trucks to haul plastic in a drayage operation to the ports of Charleston and Savannah, making three 20-30 mile runs a day with one charging period after the first two runs, and then an overnight charge. Eventually, Quantix will expand the trucks’ run to four per day as the technology proves itself, company officials said in an interview with HDT earlier this year.

“Quantix has very aggressive sustainability goals, and we intend to have 25% of our last mile and drayage fleet powered by alternative fuels by 2030,” said Chris Ball, Quantix CEO and President, in a press release.

Quantix fleet includes over 3,000 trucks and trailers, which operate over 50 terminals and warehousing and packaging facilities nationwide.

“Between investment in infrastructure, training and maintenance in partnership with Peterbilt, we have the proper support to incorporate these trucks most efficiently and effectively into our fleet,” added Troy Basso, Quantix VP of Fleet Maintenance.