CEG photo
The Valew Quality Truck Body team is excited about this partnership with Velocity Truck Centers and Rizon. (L-R): Shane Newson, Frank Flores, Chad Newson, Courtney Hayes and Roger Hayes
Valew Quality Truck Bodies, in partnership with Velocity Truck Centers in Whittier, Calif., recently hosted an open house to unveil the latest lineup of electric work trucks. This event showcased EV vehicles manufactured by Rizon, a Daimler Truck brand dedicated to pioneering zero-emission commercial vehicles, signaling a major shift in the commercial vehicle landscape in the state of California.
CEG photo
The open house provided an exclusive opportunity to explore the cutting-edge designs of EV trucks, customized with three distinct truck bodies by Valew Truck Bodies. Among these were a service body, a dump body and a flatbed body, which showcased the versatility and adaptability of electric vehicles in various industries. According to Valew representatives, these designs mark the beginning of a new era in commercial vehicle customization, integrating the eco-friendly advantages of EV technology with practical utility.
Velocity Truck Centers, as a distributor of this innovative EV brand, plays a crucial role in facilitating the transition toward sustainable transportation solutions. Upon purchase, customers have the option to personalize their trucks according to their requirements. Valew then steps in to customize the truck body to meet the customer's needs. This collaborative approach ensures that each vehicle is tailored to optimize performance and functionality for its intended application.
The open house was attended by a diverse group of contractors, city and municipal representatives, as well as county districts and public works departments. This surge in interest underscores a growing appetite for EV's within the commercial sector, driven not only by environmental concerns, but also by regulatory regulations.
With the implementation of new CARB compliance rules in California starting 2024, the transition to electric fleets has become imperative for businesses operations within the state. These regulations mandate that a percentage of fleet vehicles must be electric, with requirements set to increase over time. As such, the introduction of EV work trucks represents a strategic investment for businesses seeking to align with regulatory standards while reducing their carbon footprint.
CEG photo
One of the primary concerns voiced by customers revolves around battery life and its suitability for sustained use throughout the workday. Depending on the size and configuration of the truck, they are equipped with a combined two-battery configuration which gets 110 mi. to 120 mi. per charge or a three-battery configuration which gets 150 mi. to 160 mi per charge. Other innovative solutions are being implemented to address this challenge on some models, including secondary chargers installed in the truck bed, enabling on-site charging during downtime, such as when servicing equipment. This innovative approach ensures that EV work trucks remain operational throughout the workday, enhancing productivity and convenience for users.
The open house hosted by Velocity Truck Centers and Valew Quality Truck Bodies marks a significant milestone in the adoption of electric work trucks within the commercial sector. By showcasing the capabilities of EV technology and highlighting practical solutions to address customer concerns, this event served as a catalyst for driving forward the electrification of commercial fleets. CEG
This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.
Today's top stories
