J.B. Hunt tests all-electric big truck for deliveries

Article written by Nathan Owens
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. recently made a delivery using an all-electric, heavy truck as part of its sustainability efforts.
The delivery was the start of a three-month testing phase for J.B. Hunt, with plans to use the rechargeable 8-class truck for daily operations in Los Angeles.
Subsidiary J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. recently did a 120-mile haul for retail customer Walmart using a Freightliner eCascadia truck, developed by Daimler Trucks North America.
Craig Harper, J.B. Hunt’s executive vice president and chief operations officer, said company officials are always looking for sustainable ways to improve their fleet and operations.
“We are excited to test this vehicle and gain more hands-on experience with all-electric tractors,” he said in a statement Tuesday. J.B. Hunt has installed charging stations at the Los Angeles terminal and is training drivers to operate the all-electric, 16-ton truck.
Automakers are developing rechargeable cars and trucks as companies work to cut their carbon emissions, particularly in the transportation industry. Investors have funded startup companies that specialize in medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles to lower emissions. Tesla shares have more than tripled in value this year and are trading for more than $1,300 a share.
On a full charge, the eCascadia truck has a 525-horsepower engine and a driving range of up to 250 miles. It can recharge as much as 80% in 90 minutes.
The trucks are not J.B. Hunt’s first effort to reduce tailpipe emissions. The Lowell-based trucking and logistics firm added a handful of all-electric, medium box trucks to its final-mile fleet two years ago. The company is also on a waiting list for delivery of new Tesla trucks.
Original Source: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/aug/12/hunt-tests-all-electric-big-truck-for-deliveries/?business