Black Horse Carriers recently joined Penske Truck Leasing’s electric vehicle program, coming together to launch a battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia into the Black Horse Carriers regular operation.

The dedicated fleet services company has deployed the truck in Southern California where it delivers product to 78 stores for a major grocery chain. 

“We are rolling these electric units out to customers more quickly and efficiently now that we have some experience under our belts,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing. “Our mission is to continue to put these innovative units in the hands of customers who have the right use cases, so we can learn together and continue to promote sustainability in the form of electrification.”

The electric truck runs six days a week with four delivery points each day. Integration into the fleet was seamless and feedback from drivers has been positive, according to Black Horse.

“Whether it’s the latest safety technology, improving the driver experience, or reducing our carbon footprint, building an innovative fleet is part of the Black Horse culture. We’re thrilled to be running this tractor and the feedback from our field has been excellent,” said Brad Kacsh, fleet manager at Black Horse Carriers.

The venture was supported a grant by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which focuses on improving air quality in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

The electric truck fleet is supported by a network of heavy-duty electric vehicle charging stations at six Penske Truck Leasing facilities in Southern California. Penske also performs preventive maintenance at these locations.