Peterbilt’s Model 579EV Battery-Electric, Zero-Emission Class 8 Truck Reaches Summit Of Pikes Peak Several Times In Three Days

---

Peterbilt’s Model 579EV battery-electric, zero-emission, Class 8 truck recently summited Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs several times over a three-day period. (Photo courtesy of Peterbilt.)

Peterbilt’s Model 579EV recently became the first-ever Class 8 battery-electric truck to summit Pikes Peak, a 14,115-foot (4,302-meter) mountain located outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The road around Pikes Peak has an average grade of 7% and the last 12.42 miles (20 kilometers) near the top consists of 156 turns. This is the latest achievement for Peterbilt’s heavy-duty, zero-emission truck, which has covered 110,000 mi (177,028 km) in real-world testing.

The Model 579EV reached the summit several times over the course of three days in an effort to demonstrate how it stands up to challenging roadways and wintery conditions. In fact, the truck was able to recharge its batteries using regenerative braking while heading back down the mountain, which produced enough energy for a return trip to the top.

You can watch a video of the Peterbilt Model 579EV climbing Pikes Peak on the manufacturer’s YouTube page.

“A Huge Moment For Peterbilt”

“This is a huge moment for Peterbilt and everyone who has worked countless hours to bring this truck to life,” says Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Being the first battery-electric powered Class 8 truck to conquer one of the most iconic roads in North America is just the beginning. Peterbilt is leading the charge on commercial vehicle electrification, with three distinctive EV configurations available for customer orders today in a variety of applications.”

More 579EV Details

Peterbilt plans to begin full production of the Model 579EV in the second quarter of 2021. It’s a day cab truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 80,000 pounds (36,287 kilograms). It has a full battery recharge time of around 3.5 hours and a maximum estimated operating range of 150 mi (241 km). The final Model 579EV will have a battery capacity of between 264 and 420 kilowatt-hours and an electric motor that produces up to 670 horsepower (500 kilowatts). With a quiet, all-electric powertrain, Peterbilt says the 579EV is ideal for regional-haul, short-haul, and drayage operations.

Source: Peterbilt