Peterbilt is formally teaming up with Dana on electric powertrain development for its Model 220EV. The announcement was made at CES, the annual electronics show in Las Vegas, where Peterbilt also brought reporters up to speed on its electric-truck development progress overall.

Peterbilt announced it will integrate Dana’s Spicer Electrified e-propulsion system into its 220EV chassis. The truck will also be equipped with two battery packs and an on-board charger.

The 220EV features a range between 100 and 200 miles. Using the vehicle’s DC fast-charging system, the high-energy density battery packs can recharge in about an hour, making the 220EV ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short regional haul operations.

“Peterbilt continues to lead the charge by providing the industry’s largest lineup of electric vehicles," said Jason Skoog, Paccar vice president and Peterbilt general manager. "By using the Dana electric powertrain for the Model 220EV in the medium-duty pickup and delivery market, we will be ready to meet the growing demand of our customers who want to incorporate zero-emissions vehicles into this application."

Dana is providing the complete e-powertrain, including the integration, and upfit for the Model 220EV electric vehicle, explained Mark Wallace, president of commercial vehicle drive technologies for Dana. “Combining Peterbilt’s advanced technologies with our own expertise in delivering end-to-end turnkey electric systems will result in highly efficient solutions that will lead to low total cost of ownership.”

Peterbilt also showed off the Model 220EV at CES last year.

Model 520EV

The company also displayed its battery-electric Model 520EV, a low-cab forward vehicle for the refuse industry, at the show. According to Skoog, the truck will go into production next year.

“Demonstrator units have been operating on residential and commercial routes, working a full day on a single charge, and charging overnight. Our customers have been very impressed with the 520EV’s quiet operation, low maintenance cost and overall performance."

The Model 520EV is powered by a Meritor/TransPower Energy Storage Subsystem with a total storage capacity of 308 kWh. It is driven by a TransPower Mid-Ship Motor Drive Subsystem with up to 430 hp, features a range of about 100 miles and a four-hour charge time.

Peterbilt also announced record production rates and sales growth for the Model 520 in general.

“Peterbilt has set low-cab forward truck production records five years in a row,” said Skoog. “Since the launch of the 520 in 2017, customers across North America have put this truck into service at a record pace. The 520 gives Peterbilt the fastest-growing presence in the refuse business, and has made us a top player with a best-in-class product.” 

The 520 is available in right-hand, left-hand, right-hand standup and dual drive configurations. The updated interior offers a quiet work environment for drivers and allows for simplified integration for body builders. Powertrain options further the 520’s flexibility, with the availability of the Paccar MX-11 10.8L diesel engine, a natural-gas-powered Cummins ISL12-N, as well as the battery-electric Model 520EV.

“Even at the Model 520’s record production rates, we have more capacity to satisfy the demand of our refuse customers, who continue to benefit from the performance, durability and reliability of this outstanding product,” Skoog added.

Low-Volume EV Production to Start in 2020

In a final bit of electric truck news, Peterbilt also announced at CES that it has completed nearly 40,000 real-world miles with its fleet of 16 battery-electric vehicles. Skoog noted that Peterbilt has three models of BEVs in service with customers, handling a variety of applications.

“Mileage accumulation is an important component of the validation process leading up to our low-volume production starting in the fourth quarter of 2020,” added Scott Newhouse, chief engineer at Peterbilt. “All three platforms are performing well and customers are starting to see the benefits of these advanced vehicles.”

Peterbilt’s EV fleet includes Model 579EVs in drayage and regional haul applications as well as Model 520EVs in refuse applications. Additional vehicles will be put into service in the first half of 2020 in drayage, regional haul, medium duty pickup and delivery applications, including the deployment of the Model 220EV.