Zero-emissions terminal truck manufacturer Orange EV unveiled its newly rebranded e-Triever tractor, which offers an advanced digital cab and can be integrated into geofenced autonomous control systems.
The third generation of the battery-electric terminal tractor builds upon the T-Series truck first deployed in 2015. Since becoming the first OEM with a fully electric, commercially deployed Class 8 tractor, Orange EV’s 400 trucks in use across North America have logged 5 million miles and 1.5 million hours of use.
“More and more people are realizing that electric yard trucks are out there—and they’re proven,” Zack Ruderman, Orange EV's VP of sales and marketing, told FleetOwner. “When you used these in 24/7 operations, the only downtime is the driver break time, which is great for opportunity charging.”
He explained that charging the tractors during driver breaks is enough to keep the trucks powered through the day. That also means the vehicles don’t need to go off-site for diesel fueling. And with fewer moving parts and no diesel system, the vehicles require less maintenance. “For diesel yard trucks, we hear that uptime is often in the 70% to 80% range with the emissions-control technology and other challenges that diesels have. So EV yard trucks offer a dramatic improvement.”
See also: EV opportunities are blooming at depots
More than 130 fleets in the U.S. and Canada have Orange EV electric trucks, according to Ruderman. Orange EV reports more than 98% average uptime and a lower total cost of ownership among its fleet customers. The previous Orange EV models have a 10-year expected life and ROI within four years.
The e-Triever model can extend the payback, according to Orange EV. Its featured DTS (digital truck systems) is designed to integrate with autonomous control systems along with advanced digital cab architecture, improved sensing, remote diagnostic capabilities, and an optional IntelliBoom package that captures fifth-wheel load weight, boom-lift cycles, and kingpin presence and retention data.
See also: Ruan adds another EV terminal tractor to its fleet
“Drawing upon our 10-year heritage of electric truck innovation, the e-Triever continues this excellence,” Neutgens said. “We believe the new name conveys Orange EV’s staunch commitment to our customers—the e-Triever is loyal, hardworking, and delivers every time.”
The basic specifications for the model year 2022 4x2 e-Triever are the same as the MY 2021 4x2 T-Series:
- GCWR: 81,000 lb.
- Speed: Up to 25 mph
- Battery Capacity: 180 kWh or 100 kWh
- Charge Rate: Up to 70 kW
- Range: Up to 24 hours on a single charge
- Motor: Brushless AC induction
- Transmission: None; direct drive
- Available now for purchase, lease, or rent
- Custom builds delivered in 90-120 days