Penske Truck Leasing's electric vehicle program continues to roll out battery electric Freightliner eM2s into service, this time to EnerSys, which will use the new truck throughout Southern California to transport product to customers and dealer facilities, answer emergency road calls, and shuttle tools and equipment to job sites.

“In spite of unprecedented times, fleet sustainability and innovation remain a priority for us as we look to the future,” said Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing.

In 2018, Penske Truck Leasing and Daimler Trucks North America partnered to test commercial electric Freightliner trucks in real-world situations to help improve the new technology. The venture was supported by a partnership between DTNA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

"We are excited to broaden our partnership with Penske and Daimler Trucks NA through this unique initiative as we continue our passion to deliver innovative solutions to optimize essential fleet and supply chain operations,” said Mark Matthews, senior vice president specialty global at EnerSys. “This is a deep-learning opportunity to understand through our own use-case the electrification of commercial vehicles, along with the alternative chemistries in these platforms.”

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.