Phoenix Motorcars has deployed three, All-Electric, Zero-Emission Z500 trucks to the city of Salinas, California. The project included 1 x Zero Emission flatbed truck, and 2 x Zero Emission cargo trucks, as well as 3 x Level III charging stations.

The three trucks are built on the Ford E-450 chassis powered by Phoenix Motorcars and will serve the city of Salinas in their fleet department. The all-electric zero emission trucks were funded in part by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) Clean Air Management Program, and the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) program.

According to Richard Stedman, MBARD’s Air Pollution Control Officer, “Over 60% of the total emission of smog forming compounds in our region comes from motor vehicles with the largest portion coming from medium to heavy duty diesel trucks and buses. By partnering with the city of Salinas to purchase three medium duty electric trucks, we’re taking another step toward improving air quality in our community.”

The Phoenix Z500 trucks are equipped with a 94-kWh battery pack offering up to 110-mile range and can be fully charged in approximately two to three hours with a 50-kW Level III charger. The Z500 trucks, as compared to its equivalent fossil fueled alternatives, will reduce atmospheric emissions by ~61 tons per vehicle annually, reduce maintenance costs by 75% and fuel costs by 80%.

"Agriculture is the foundation of our local economy, so the air quality and climate in our community matter," said Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig. "Replacing three large fleet vehicles helps protect our environment and also significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs. Climate resiliency and environmental sustainability are part of the core values of our Council and improve the quality of life for our residents."