ReVolt Motors shows extended-range hybrid electric truck at ACT Expo

ReVolt Motors is rolling out its U.S.-developed extended-range hybrid electric drivetrain on retrofitted Class 8 trucks. The hybrid powertrain generates up to 670 hp and 3,500 ft.-lb. of torque. According to the Austin, Texas-based company, the Peterbilt Model 579s using the ReVolt solution have up to a 1,200-mile range. Running solely off the battery, the truck would have a range of 100 miles. Overall, a truck using the hybrid system could see a 40% fuel and emissions reduction versus traditional diesel.

Last month, bulk hauler Page Trucking ordered five Model 579s with Revolt's drivetrain, and plans on receiving 15 more in the future.

"Rising fuel costs, shrinking freight rates, and a constantly changing logistics landscape have made it harder than ever for fleet operators to stay profitable," said Gus Gardner, founder and CEO of ReVolt Motors. "Our extended-range electric truck gives operators the tools they need to thrive today and stay ahead tomorrow, whether they’ve got a grid connection or not."

The dual-power system comprises an internal combustion engine that charges the batteries, which then supply an electric motor to provide locomotion. A regenerative braking system continuously charges the batteries to increase range.

The system is fuel-agnostic, allowing drivers to switch between their power sources based on road conditions, such as using diesel for highways and electric power for hills and stop-and-go driving. Also, the trucks feature a lightweight design for increased freight capacity.

The trucks provide twice the torque of traditional diesel models and can be used on trucks with a 130,000-lb. GVWR, the company said, making them ideal solutions for heavy-duty hauling.

Additionally, ReVolt said their trucks can offload 250 kW per vehicle to power equipment, with drivers able to use third-party tools to connect a series of trucks and create a microgrid for jobsites.

Going forward ReVolt is also working with Flodraulic to source components from Danfosso Editron, including its generators, inverters, and controllers.