Electric Work Truck News Roundup: June 2023

The work truck industry is buzzing with the latest developments in electric vehicles (EVs), as companies embrace alternative solutions and reduce carbon footprints.

From innovative EV technologies to advancements in charging infrastructure, the industry is witnessing a rapid transformation.

We’ve got the latest news on EVs in the work truck industry in one place as of June 14, 2023.

Top 5 EV News

Feel like there is a new EV update every week? We’ve got you covered on the top items you might have missed.

DHL Supply Chain Introduces Electric Yard Trucks

DHL Supply Chain, a global logistics provider, has introduced electric yard trucks to its fleet as part of its commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These electric trucks offer numerous advantages over diesel-powered counterparts including:

• Zero emissions.
• Quieter operation.
• Lower maintenance and energy costs.

DHL plans to integrate 50 electric yard trucks initially, with the goal of expanding the fleet to over 100 electric trucks and phasing out all diesel yard trucks by the end of 2025.

The company has already saved thousands of gallons of diesel and reduced CO2 emissions significantly. DHL's sustainability efforts also extend to renewable electricity use, AI optimization of packaging solutions, and plans for a larger rollout of zero-emission vehicles in the future.

The First Mortuary Electric Van

Link Mortuary Equipment, transport deck systems for the funeral profession, is set to showcase the first Ford E-Transit electric van featuring Link's DD2000-XLC Double-Deck Mortuary Transport System this year.

Link stated it is the first supplier in the industry to cater to funeral homes and cremation facilities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The system addresses staffing shortages and provides greater loading flexibility, security options, and easier handling of larger cremation containers.

Phoenix Motor Showcases Gen 4 Electric Drive System

Phoenix Motor will showcase its new Gen 4 electric drive system this year.

The Gen 4 design features an optimized chassis layout, increased ground clearance, and newly designed battery packs positioned for improved space utilization. Equipped with a 90-kWh battery pack, the Gen 4 vehicles offer a range of up to 150 miles and can be fully charged in one to two hours.

These vehicles are expected to significantly reduce emissions, maintenance costs, and fuel expenses compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Additionally, Phoenix Motorcars will unveil its new Phoenix Exchange battery swap station, capable of swapping a 90-kWh battery system in under a minute, providing an unlimited range for active fleets and last-mile delivery service providers.

MD Electric Model Approved for HVIP

Mack Trucks has announced that its recently introduced MD Electric model is now approved to be part of California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).

The program provides point-of-sale vouchers to increase the affordability of zero-emission trucks, promoting their commercialization.

The MD Electric, the second Mack model included in HVIP, is eligible for an $85,000 voucher.

This approval aligns with Mack's efforts to drive decarbonization and support customers in transitioning to battery-electric vehicles.

The MD Electric, available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings, features a three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor and Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide lithium-ion batteries, offering reliable performance and a range of configurations for different trucking applications.

Toyota Shifts Toward Electrification.

Toyota Motor North America has announced its plans to invest nearly $50 million in the construction of a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in Michigan.

The laboratory will focus on evaluating batteries for electric and electrified vehicles, ensuring they meet North American customers' performance, quality, and durability requirements.

The facility is expected to begin operations in 2025 and will support Toyota's shift toward electrification.

The laboratory will also collaborate with North American suppliers to incorporate locally produced battery parts and materials. Furthermore, the facility will explore new battery configurations and contribute to Toyota's development of electrified vehicle architectures.