Hitachi America (Hitachi), Hitachi Energy and Penske Truck Leasing launched a large-scale, centralized electric truck charging solution. For this pilot initiative, Hitachi Energy supplied Penske with its Grid-eMotion Fleet EV charging system. Hitachi said the integrated direct current (DC) fast-charging solution is designed to scale up and deliver multi-megawatt level charging capabilities, tailored to meet the demanding requirements of truck fleets of varying sizes.

According to Hitachi, the new system features include an ability to reduce space requirements by up to 60% compared to conventional charging systems. Additionally, Hitachi said it cuts cabling needs by up to 40%.

“Investing in our capabilities with electric vehicles and charging solutions is crucial as our customers seek to decarbonize their fleets and comply with emissions regulations,” Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, said. “Robust public and private charging infrastructures are essential to ensure the viability of commercial electric trucks in the future.”

Hitachi Energy said its Grid-eMotion Fleet charging system in Stockton, CA, is already being used to charge a growing number of EVs across light-, medium- and heavy-duty applications. Its 10-pedestal system can charge as many as 10 trucks on-site up to 100kW or five trucks up to 200kW.

Hitachi said this collaboration extends existing partnerships with Penske Corporation, rooted in the IndyCar racing series. Additionally, Hitachi and Penske said they are exploring AI-based smart charging solutions to optimize vehicle charging processes.