Penske, Hitachi Launch Electric Truck Charging Pilot

Penske Truck Leasing, Hitachi America, Ltd. and Hitachi Energy launched a large-scale, centralized electric truck charging solution to support Penske’s electric truck deployments for customers in Stockton, Calif.

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Penske Truck Leasing, Hitachi America, Ltd. and Hitachi Energy launched a large-scale, centralized electric truck charging solution to support Penske’s electric truck deployments for customers in Stockton, Calif.  

“Investing in our capabilities with electric vehicles and charging solutions is crucial as our customers seek to decarbonize their fleets and comply with emissions regulations,” says Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. “Robust public and private charging infrastructures are essential to ensure the viability of commercial electric trucks in the future.” 

“We’re excited to be working with Hitachi on deployment of this cutting-edge technology,” says Drew Cullen, SVP of fuels and facility services at Penske. “When we were first introduced to the Grid-eMotion solution, we were impressed with its capability and flexibility and what that could mean for our customers. This installation in Stockton will provide ‘real world’ experience and significantly enhance our collaboration with Hitachi.”  

“Hitachi Energy is proud to support Penske’s sustainability journey with the deployment of our Grid-eMotion Fleet system in Stockton. This project presents an ideal opportunity to highlight the benefits of charging systems designed specifically for fleets and how they can support the transition to a more sustainable mode of operations,” says Alireza Aram, general manager of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration Business in North America. “Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion Fleet technology can provide fleet operators with the flexibility they need to address the unique requirements of each facility.” 

“This project with Penske marks a significant leap forward in our collective commitment to sustainable transportation and demonstrates how we can move electric fleets from niche to mainstream,” says Hicham Abdessamad, chairman and CEO of Hitachi America, Ltd. “Hitachi designed Grid-eMotion Fleet and other solutions specifically to address commercial and public transportation electrification. Partnering with Penske, we’re paving the way for a better transportation future for everyone.” 

 

Key takeaways:

 

  • Penske has been continually testing and operating EV trucks across its leasing, rental and logistics fleets in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, grocery, quick-service restaurant chains and more. 
  • For this pilot initiative, Hitachi Energy supplied Penske with its state-of-the-art Grid-eMotion Fleet EV charging system. The integrated direct current (DC) fast charging solution is designed to scale up and deliver multi-megawatt level charging capabilities, tailored to meet truck fleets of varying sizes. The new system includes an ability to reduce space requirements up to 60% compared to conventional charging systems. Additionally, it cuts cabling needs up to 40%. 
  • Hitachi Energy’s Grid-eMotion Fleet charging system in Stockton is already being used to charge a growing number of EVs across light-, medium- and heavy-duty applications. Its 10-pedestal system can charge as many as 10 trucks on-site up to 100kW or five trucks up to 200kW, showcasing its versatility and scalability for Penske’s fleet operations. 
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