Hitachi America, Hitachi Energy, and Penske Truck Leasing announced a large-scale, centralized electric truck charging solution. This project supports Penske’s electric truck deployments for its customers in the Stockton, California, area.

For this pilot initiative, Hitachi Energy supplied Penske with its Grid-eMotion Fleet EV charging system. The integrated direct current (DC) fast-charging solution is designed to scale up and deliver multi-megawatt level charging capabilities.

Scalable High-Capacity Charging

The new system can reduce space requirements up to 60% compared to conventional charging systems, according to the announcement. It also cuts cabling needs up to 40%.

“Investing in our capabilities with electric vehicles and charging solutions is crucial as our customers seek to decarbonize their fleets and comply with emissions regulations,” said Art Vallely, president, Penske Truck Leasing.

“Robust public and private charging infrastructures are essential to ensure the viability of commercial electric trucks in the future.”

Vallely said Penske has been a pioneer in adopting battery-electric commercial vehicles and has made substantial investments in testing, maintaining, and expanding charging infrastructure to support these vehicles.

The company has been testing and operating EV trucks across its leasing, rental and logistics fleets in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, grocery, quick-service restaurant chains, medical, automotive parts, and others.

Charging for 10 Trucks at Once

Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion Fleet charging system in Stockton is already being used to charge a growing number of EVs across light-, medium- and heavy-duty applications, the company said.

Its 10-pedestal system can charge as many as 10 trucks on-site up to 100 kW or five trucks up to 200kW.

“We’re excited to be working with Hitachi on deployment of this cutting-edge technology,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske, noting that this installation will provide real-world experience. “When we were first introduced to the Grid-eMotion solution, we were impressed with its capability and flexibility and what that could mean for our customers."

This collaboration extends Hitachi’s existing partnerships with Penske Corp., rooted in the IndyCar racing series. The two have a joint commitment to expedite fleet-wide emissions reduction through widespread electric charging station deployment.

Hitachi and Penske also are exploring smart charging solutions using artificial intelligence to optimize vehicle charging processes.

"This project presents an ideal opportunity to highlight the benefits of charging systems designed specifically for fleets and how they can support the transition to a more sustainable mode of operations,” said Alireza Aram, general manager, grid integration business, North America, Hitachi Energy.

Hicham Abdessamad, chairman and CEO of Hitachi America, said the project "demonstrates how we can move electric fleets from niche to mainstream solutions ... to address commercial and public transportation electrification."