Aliquippa-based multi-service transportation company PGT Trucking Inc. is celebrating the purchase of its first battery-electric semi-truck from Nikola Corp.
PGT said it will "immediately utilize" its Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) semi-truck, but the company did not disclose which customer route specifically would see the new vehicle nor how much it paid for the vehicle.
The battery-powered truck from Nikola is the first of 100 electric-powered trucks that PGT eventually plans to acquire from the Salt Lake City, Utah-based vehicle manufacturer. PGT said it's preparing for the expected "full integration" later this year of the 100 Nikola Tre fuel cell electric vehicle trucks that PGT previously signed a letter of intent to lease.
"Our customers have expressed a need for sustainable shipping solutions, and we are working to align ourselves with their green energy commitments," Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking president, said in a prepared statement. "With the purchase of the Nikola Tre BEV, PGT is prepared to meet these demands."
Nikola claims its Tre BEV truck offers a range of up to 330 miles and can recharge its near-empty battery to 80% of its 733 kWh capacity in 160 minutes.
PGT's purchase of the unit comes as part of the company's broader "Future of Flatbed" initiative. Drivers included in this cohort will be among the first to operate these new vehicles.
Purchases like these, PGT said, are putting it on track to reaching its sustainability goal of reducing carbon emissions from its company-owned fleet by 35% come 2025.
"PGT’s decision to place a Nikola Tre BEV immediately into operation is telling of their commitment to drive forward their ambitious corporate sustainability initiatives today," Nikola president and CEO Michael Lohscheller said in a prepared statement. "We are extremely proud to partner with another well-respected industry leader by providing progressive zero-emission transportation solutions that are intended to improve safety, reduce costs and CO2 emissions, and improve overall total cost of ownership."
