Source: Bendix

ELYRIA, Ohio – When Werner Enterprises’ first electric-powered truck hits the road for a year-long pilot program, the professional drivers at the wheel will be supported by Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ – the flagship collision mitigation system from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.

The 2019 Peterbilt Model 579EV Class 8 truck features the first full-electric TransPower motor paired with a complete collision avoidance system and will run on a dedicated account in southern California.

“Werner has been a valued safety partner of Bendix for years, so when their team requested that this groundbreaking truck include the same advanced driver assistance technologies as their fleet’s diesel units, we embraced the opportunity and challenge,” said Lance Hansen, Bendix North America regional vice president – aftermarket sales, fleet, service and operations. “The future of our industry is in electric trucks – but it’s not going to happen overnight, and fleets need to count on safety systems that work consistently and uniformly, no matter what kind of vehicle their drivers are operating.”

The TransPower-driven Peterbilt can haul up to 80,000 pounds, releases zero emissions, and requires a 5- to 10-hour charge time. It will operate in the Los Angeles area.

“Werner continues to be a leader in transportation technology – especially when it comes to safety and sustainability,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Leathers. “We are excited about this opportunity for the company and look forward to learning and exploring more about alternative modes of power within the transportation industry.”

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Werner is a premier transportation and logistics company with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. Its diversified portfolio of transportation services places Werner among the United States’ largest truckload carriers.

Building the Future from the Present

Equipping the Werner electric vehicle with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) meant that Bendix – the North American leader in the development and manufacture of active safety, air management, and braking system technologies – first needed to install the foundational full-stability technology of the Bendix® ESP® Electronic Stability Program full-stability system.

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