Sunbelt Rentals orders Peterbilt electric trucks

By Mike Brezonick06 July 2021

Peterbilt Motors Co. has announced an order of five Peterbilt battery-electric Model 579EVs from Sunbelt Rentals for use delivering rental machinery to and from jobsites around the U.S. Sunbelt said the order is the first step toward its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 35% by 2030.

Peterbilt has recieved an order for five Model 579EV electric trucks from Sunbelt Rentals.

Based in Fort Mill, S.C., Sunbelt Rentals has more than 975 locations and a diversified fleet that exceeds $10 billion dollars. For more than 35 years, the company has served an array of customers in commercial, industrial, residential and municipal industries.

“Sunbelt Rentals isn’t just making a commitment to purchase battery electric Class 8 trucks,” said Eric Jahnsen, director – Transportation Fleet at Sunbelt Rentals. “We are striving to be a leader in environmental responsibility and sustainability, not only in our industry, but in the overall commercial market.

“In order to exceed our goals, we need to start operating zero emission vehicles immediately. Peterbilt is giving us the opportunity to put battery electric trucks on the road as soon as we can put the infrastructure in place to support it.”

Range up to 150 miles

Designed for optimal weight distribution and performance, the fully integrated, all-electric powertrain in the Model 579EV uses thermally controlled lithium iron phosphate battery packs to provide a range up to 150 miles. When used in conjunction with a recommended dc fast-charger, the high-energy density battery packs recharge in three to four hours, the company said.

The Model 579EV also incorporates a tandem drive configuration with Meritor 14Xe e-axle motors providing power through the drive inverters. Regenerative braking captures energy from stop-and-go operations to help recharge the batteries and maximize the vehicle’s range. The vehicle also includes an enhanced dash cluster to communicate all the information required for the driver to operate the electric vehicle.