Hybrid truck startup ReVolt Motors has secured its first commercial customer for its Peterbilt 579-based extended-range electric semi truck, with New York-headquartered Page Trucking ordering five units and placing an option for 15 more. The trucks promise up to 40% better fuel economy and over twice the torque of conventional diesel trucks, according to the company.
The hybrid trucks use a unique dual-power system that combines battery-electric drive with a diesel-powered generator, offering up to 1,200 miles of range. ReVolt removes the transmission and traditional drivetrain from the Peterbilt chassis and replaces it with a battery pack, e-axles, and a genhead driven by the original diesel engine. The electric drive system delivers 670 horsepower and a substantial 3,500 lb-ft of torque from 0 rpm, enabling efficient freight hauling and extended off-grid operation.
“Our industry is undergoing a major transition, and fleet owners need practical solutions that make financial sense while reducing our environmental impact,” said Dan Titus, CEO of Page Trucking, which operates a 500-truck fleet across agriculture, hazardous materials, and bulk commodities. “ReVolt’s hybrid drivetrain lowers our fuel costs, providing our drivers with a powerful and efficient truck, all without the need for expensive charging infrastructure or worrying about state compliance mandates.”
The EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) design allows the trucks to operate as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in ports and urban zones, while enabling drivers to “hotel” — rest in the cab — for up to 34 hours without engine idling or connection to shore power. That feature is seen as increasingly vital as truck parking shortages and emissions regulations rise.
ReVolt, headquartered in Austin, Texas, shares more than a ZIP code with former hybrid truck pioneer Hyliion. The two companies have overlapping personnel and similar designs, with ReVolt’s CTO and Director of Engineering both having worked on Hyliion’s electric truck projects before the company shifted focus to generator technology.
“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,” said Gus Gardner, founder and CEO of ReVolt Motors. “Our retrofit technology allows them to continue driving the trucks they love while still making a living.”
If the initial five trucks meet expectations, Page Trucking plans to expand its fleet with up to 20 of ReVolt’s hybrid semis, positioning the startup for further growth in a trucking sector hungry for clean, scalable solutions.