Honda Alabama plant launches pilot program aimed at electrifying transportation of cars
Virginia Transportation Corp. unveiled a new all-electric truck at the Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama, as part of its new pilot program Monday, Aug. 26. The truck will transport newly built Honda cars from the plant to the nearby CSX railhead for shipment to locations around the globe.
“We remain committed to delivering for our customers and the environment,” said Leo Doire, owner and CEO of Virginia Transportation Corp. “Our new Peterbilt 579EV model will be tested to determine how well it performs against the high productivity demands of our operations. The partners we have at the table will help us maximize this opportunity and prepare to scale up if we get the results we are hoping for.”
Officials will collect data and analyze the performance of the new truck, helping determine its long-term viability. Other supporters of the pilot project include Alabama Power, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Peterbilt.
The truck is a Peterbilt Model 579EV that produces zero emissions alongside high performance and lower overall maintenance. According to Peterbilt, the 579EV Day Cab features a battery-electric drive system that uses the energy stored in large packs of thermally managed lithium iron phosphate batteries to meet propulsion and other power requirements.
“We celebrate Virginia Transportation as a long-standing member of our organization,” Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition president Michael Staley said. “We are committed to helping them continue their success as a leader in cutting-edge vehicle technology.”
With the truck being optimized for short haul and drayage applications, the Peterbilt 579EV is the perfect truck to suit the needs of the Lincoln Honda plant. The truck’s 400 kWh storage capacity provides it with 670 horsepower and an estimated daily range of 150 miles, with about a 3-hour recharge time.
In 2011, Honda Motor Co. recruited Virginia Transport Corp. to help find ways for reducing emissions in its Alabama operations. VTC gathered a team of industry leaders and formed a partnership that led to transitioning the plant’s trucks from diesel fuel to compressed natural gas, which displaced more than 475,000 gallons of diesel annually.
Alabama Power Electric Transportation Manager Hasin Gandhakwala outlined several programs that Alabama businesses can use if they seek to adopt electric vehicles.
“Alabama Power’s ‘Make Ready’ program provides businesses with valuable rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of installing EV infrastructure,” Gandhakwala said. “We are committed to partnering with customers who are exploring state and federal grant opportunities. Alabama Power is dedicated to advancing EV technologies to better serve the needs of our customers.”
