A new company is looking to take a different path to reducing emissions from diesel-powered trucks through electrification instead of pure battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) technologies.
Austin, Texas-based ReVolt Motors is planning to make its official debut at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, next month, showcasing something the industry has yet to see: a Peterbilt 379 retrofitted with a diesel-hybrid drivetrain. This first-of-its-kind semi was designed with the American trucker in mind, the company said, by using "common sense [to] build a better truck."
With the flip of a switch, ReVolt said, drivers can change from using their diesel engine on the open road to operating on electricity in areas with stricter emissions regulations. ReVolt Motors founder and CEO Gus Gardner told Overdrive that the hybrid system is basically like an electric truck, except instead of batteries weighing thousands of pounds, it has a diesel engine with an electric generator, which charges the batteries that power the truck.
ReVolt's diesel-electric hybrid engine is seen here in the company's shop.
As far as range, Gardner said the truck has "basically the same range as a diesel truck" in its normal use cases. If the driver needs to switch the truck to full electric mode, perhaps if operating at a port in California, it can run about 100 miles, give or take about 20%, on EV mode.
The truck also boasts 670 horsepower and 3,500 lb.-ft. of torque.
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“Drivers should not have to choose between losing their longtime routes because of changing regulatory environments or losing the truck in which they have already made significant investments,” Gardner said. “American truckers want their trucks to reflect their identity, and our retrofit technology allows them to continue driving the trucks they love while still making a living.”
ReVolt’s retrofit solution offers a significantly more affordable option than purchasing a new electric truck, which can exceed $500,000 even before adding customized features and accessories, the company noted. While the company has not specified a price point for its hybrid retrofit, Gardner told Overdrive that the goal is to keep pricing in the range of "a million-mile refit, like if you have to do your engine and your rear ends."
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Instead of a driveshaft like a regular internal combustion engine, an electric generator under the hood with the diesel engine charges the hybrid system's batteries, which power the drive axles.
The retrofit could also eliminate the need for a separate auxiliary power unit (APU) to power accessories and climate control in the sleeper without idling the main engine, providing drivers with nearly endless heat and A/C, the company said. Further cost savings are realized from the fuel efficiency generated by the hybrid engine. ReVolt said its system can achieve at least 12 miles per gallon in targeted applications and generate about 40% in fuel savings.
A retrofit truck with ReVolt’s drivetrain could also be ideal for heavy-haul, as the trucks feature a 130,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
ReVolt said its hybrid system seamlessly charges the truck batteries through a range extender and regenerative braking, eliminating the need for an EV charger and reducing carbon emissions by 40%, even with diesel fuel usage.
ReVolt team members will be available at MATS to discuss the technology and truck features. Opportunities to drive a ReVolt truck during the event are also available by appointment. The company can be reached at [email protected] to arrange a meeting or test drive.
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