San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) says the maiden voyage of their Class 8 heavy-duty electric semi marks the primary time an electric semi has crossed the border hauling a typical load, marking a vital milestone because the two nations move toward a net zero future.
The electric semi truck – one among 11 Peterbilt 579EV Class 8 trucks bought by San Diego-based Bali Express last yr – made its first trip to Mexico carrying an unspecified load of products through the Port of Entry at Otay Mesa, which connects Southern California to the town of Tijuana, Mexico.
Bali Express’ electric trucks will utilize SDG&E’s recently activated HD charging infrastructure to offer “reliable and affordable” electric freight options for medium and heavy-duty EVs crossing the US/Mexico border.
The SDG&E-powered chargers were partially funded through a $200,000 grant from the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program. That program has put greater than $1 billion to alternative fuel and vehicle technology projects designed to enhance public health while bringing each environmental and economic advantages to communities throughout the state.
Those sentiments were echoed by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “The historic crossing of this electric freight truck symbolizes San Diego’s commitment to innovation, cross-border cooperation and our binational community,” said Gloria, in an announcement. “We’re not just reducing emissions, we’re building a cleaner future for people living near our border, and leading the way in international trade and environmental responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of SDG&E Caroline Winn called the brand new charging corridor, “an example of how collaboration can create new and innovative ways to rethink how to move transportation systems toward electrification.”
The Peterbilt 579EV trucks have an 82,000 lb. GCWR and is powered by the identical 670 hp Meritor 14Xe “epowertrain” utilized in the PACCAR Kenworth t680e that debuted back in 2022. That system integrates electric motors and drive axles into a single unit, making it easy for manufacturers to impress their fleets by maintaining existing (re: ICE) axle mounting hardware.
The big Petes have approx. 150 miles of range and are able to fully charging their massive, 400 kWh batteries in about 3 hours.
Electrek’s Take
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a landmark plan to finish the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. And, while California is only one state, it’s necessary to do not forget that, as California’s fleets go, so too go the fleets of Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, and others.
If we’re lucky, the entire country shall be electric-only well before then.
Credit : electrek.co
