Navistar Inc. announced Tuesday, May 25, that one of the nation’s most environmentally sustainable cities and a leading advocate for energy-efficient transportation. – Portland, Ore. – will be the initial launch market for Navistar’s eStar all-electric truck.
“We’re excited to debut the eStar in Portland and give local media and government officials an up-close look at one of the coolest, most environmentally friendly commercial trucks on the road today,” says Jim Hebe, Navistar’s senior vice president of North American sales operations. “As one of the most sustainable cities in the nation, a city like Portland can appreciate the amazing potential of the eStar all-electric truck when it comes to clean energy-efficient transportation.”
“Freight and service trucks present the biggest opportunity for real and significant reductions in carbon emissions and pollution, especially in the urban environment,” says Portland Mayor Sam Adams. “Because of all Portland is doing to be a more sustainable and prosperous city and encourage the electric vehicle industry, I’m proud that Navistar chose Portland as its initial launch city for the eStar purpose-built all-electric truck.”
Navistar also announced its eStar dealer for the Pacific Northwest market – Cascadia International Trucks of Tacoma, Wash. With more than 50 years experience, Cascadia International will provide all sales, service and parts needs for eStar customers in the region. “With the eStar truck making its debut in Portland, Navistar is fully capable to support our customers through select dealers networked in our initial launch regions,” Hebe says.
The medium-duty eStar has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification as a clean fuel fleet vehicle as well as California Air Resources Board certification as a zero-emissions vehicle. This Class 2c-3 electric truck has a range of 100 miles per charge, making it suitable for many urban applications. When it returns to its home base at the end of the day, it can be plugged in and fully recharged within six to eight hours.
The eStar truck has a low center of gravity (the battery is between the frame rails, not mounted on top) and a 36-foot turning radius. The eStar has a walk-through cab and a quick-change cassette-type battery that can be swapped out in 20 minutes, enabling around-the-clock operation. It is capable of carrying payloads up to two tons. The windshield provides nearly 180-degree visibility, the low-floor design provides easy loading/unloading, and the noise level is near zero.
Sales of the eStar are conducted through a wholly owned Navistar affiliate. The eStar is produced through the Navistar-Modec EV Alliance, the joint venture between Navistar Inc. and Modec Limited of the United Kingdom.
