USA: WattEV to massively expand its electric truck fleet
However, WattEV does not specify which manufacturers and models are involved. What is known is that WattEV ordered 14 battery-electric Nikola Tre BEVs for use around the Port of Long Beach in May 2023. Moreover, WattEV ordered 50 Volvo VNR Electric in March 2022.
According to Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO of WattEV, a total of 53 VNR Electric trucks are to be handed over to the company next month via the US dealer TEC Equipment. With the Volvo electric trucks, the fleet will grow to 89 vehicles. WattEV then intends to “take delivery of an additional 100 trucks under order from different OEMs.” Furthermore, Youssefzadeh says the company has “been using and testing trucks in our fleet from all the major OEMs” – he only names one besides Volvo, but does not confirm any orders.
“We’re encouraged to see major manufacturers like Tesla stepping forward with future delivery of trucks with Megawatt charging capability,” said the CEO. “Reducing the charge time to less than 30 minutes for a 300-mile range will be a game-changer in the adoption of electric trucks. We developed all of our charging facilities to allow for transitioning from the current CCS charging standard to the new fast MCS charging, in preparation for this evolution.”
According to WattEV, it opened five new charging parks last month – and, as Youssefzadeh mentioned, is also focusing on megawatt charging. According to the CEO, WattEV is ready to place orders for “thousands” of MCS-enabled Class 8 trucks. “We have demonstrated that the infrastructure for heavy-duty truck transport with megawatt charging – and the necessary power – is available today and can be expanded,” Youssefzadeh said. “With the availability of trucks at the right price point with fast-charging capability and necessary range, we’re confident market adoption will increase rapidly.”
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