CLEVELAND — Volvo Trucks North America customer PITT OHIO has added Class 7 Volvo VNR Electric box trucks to its Cleveland fleet, the two companies announced May 17.
The 26-foot battery-electric box trucks will be operated out of PITT OHIO’s Cleveland terminal as part of the carrier’s LTL freight shipping business. The charger is part of PITT OHIO’s overall electrical system, which includes a patented renewable energy microgrid that is powered by on-site solar and wind.
“We applaud PITT OHIO for their innovative approach to integrate the battery-electric Volvo VNR Electric into their overarching sustainability strategy including the use of renewable energy throughout their entire operation,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “It’s exciting to see deliveries of Volvo Trucks’ electromobility solutions expand to another new state, supported by our dealer partner TransEdge Truck Center, who made the investments to become a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer to support PITT OHIO and other regional fleets in maximizing the benefits of the Volvo VNR Electric model.”
The Volvo VNR Electric box trucks are designed for local and regional delivery routes and feature a four-battery 264-kWh capacity with a 150-mile range. The zero-tailpipe emission trucks will be used on a variety of pickup and delivery routes for customers in the greater Cleveland area.
“The company applies green fleet management practices, which start with maintaining and operating a modern fleet,” said Chuck Hammel III, president of PITT OHIO. “We’re excited to see how these two zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks add to our story. As our business grows, so do our miles driven by PITT OHIO trucks. Our increased use of renewable energy and sustainable transportation solutions is more critical than ever as we strive to reduce our carbon output.”
According to a company statement, PITT OHIO’s sustainability story centers around “people, planet and purpose.” The company is actively trying to reduce its carbon footprint on the road and at its facilities, including a patented renewable energy microgrid that is powered by eight wind turbines and 1,500 solar panels on site, generating up to 68 megawatts (MW) of annual energy. In addition, PITT OHIO has added a small solar strip to the roof of the Volvo VNR Electric box trucks to provide renewable power to the liftgate.
To purchase the Volvo VNR Electric trucks and charging infrastructure, PITT OHIO used funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program and a Clean Fuels Ohio grant.
The Volvo VNR Electric trucks will be supported and maintained by TransEdge Truck Center in Pittsburgh, which is finalizing the training and infrastructure development needed to become a Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealership. To maintain its high safety and reliability standards, Volvo Trucks has designed its rigorous Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer program to ensure professional pre-sales consultancy to secure a commercially and technically viable electromobility solution for its customers. In addition, PITT OHIO is training its technicians on the proper safety procedures when servicing electric drivetrains and components, so they can safely perform battery-electric truck maintenance and repairs for customers.
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