Pitt Ohio added two Class 7 Volvo VNR Electric box trucks to its Cleveland fleet—the first Volvo electric heavy commercial vehicles in operation in the state.
The 26-foot electric box trucks will be operated out of Pitt Ohio’s Cleveland terminal as part of its less-than-truckload freight shipping business. The charging infrastructure at the terminal was built as part of Pitt Ohio’s overall electrical system, which includes a renewable energy microgrid powered by on-site solar and wind, according to a Volvo Trucks North America release.
See also: Fleets place additional orders for Volvo VNR Electric trucks
“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. We’re excited to see how these two zero-tailpipe emission Volvo VNR Electric trucks add to our story,” said Chuck Hammel III, president of Pitt Ohio. "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.”
See also: Dairy deploys first Volvo VNR Electrics in California’s Central Valley
Pitt Ohio is trying to reduce its carbon footprint on the road and at its facilities, including a renewable energy microgrid that is powered on-site by eight wind turbines and 1,500 solar panels, 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 truck to provide renewable power to the liftgate.
To purchase the VNR Electric trucks and charging infrastructure, Pitt Ohio used funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 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 dealership.
