Trucking company joins Penske’s electric-vehicle program

Black Horse Carriers is the latest company to join Penske Truck Leasing’s electric-vehicle program.

The program is a partnership between Reading-based Penske and Daimler Trucks North America to test commercial electric trucks from the automaker’s Freightliner brand in real-world situations and improve the technology.

Penske received the first electric battery Freightliner eCascadia in 2019. Later that year, Penske surpassed the 10,000-mile mark with the first eCascadia the company deployed. The electric truck runs six days a week with four delivery points daily.

Penske and Black Horse Carriers launched an eCascadia into the dedicated fleet services company’s regular operations. Black Horse Carriers uses the vehicle to make deliveries for a major grocery chain’s 78 stores in Southern California.

“We are rolling these electric units out to customers more quickly and efficiently now that we have some experience under our belts,” Paul Rosa, Penske senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning, said. “Our mission is to continue to put these innovative units in the hands of customers who have the right use cases, so we can learn together and continue to promote sustainability in the form of electrification.”

The South Coast Air Quality Management District provided Penske’s program with a $16.8 million grant.