Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh surprised me when he announced that over 80% of Scout pre-orders are for the "Harvester" models, which have gasoline-powered range extenders. It was our first sign that demand for extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs, is real. To meet it, the company will likely launch the EREV version of the Terra and Traveler first, Keogh said Tuesday. But the purely electric version isn't going anywhere.
American truck maker Peterbilt just doubled its electric model lineup by introducing three all-new medium-duty battery-powered regional trucks, signaling to the competition that it's serious about the EV game. The new 536EV, 537EV and 548EV trucks join the previously announced 520EV, 567EV and 579EV models, bringing the American company's tally to half a dozen electric trucks. The recently revealed models are powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are known for their durability, and can be charged at up to 350 kilowatts.
The iON HT tires are especially ready for truck duty. They're designed for long tread life, low rolling resistance to boost range, lots of grip in the wet and dry, and low noise. And they're made for the extra weight and prodigious torque of electric trucks. With a special casing, they're designed to handle the bulk of an EV truck without compromising range or smoothness. And you know they'll go the distance in more ways than one with an 80,000-mile warranty.
Einride said Wednesday it plans to go public via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, just six weeks after the Swedish electric and autonomous truck startup raised $100 million from investors. The SPAC merger with Legato Merger Corp. values Einride at $1.8 billion in pre-money equity, according to the companies. The deal is expected to generate about $219 million in gross proceeds, a figure that doesn't take into account any redemption of Legato's public shares.
The Smart Charging Cube, offered by MAN Truck & Bus in partnership with AW Automotive, is designed for charging electric trucks and buses in various locations.
