Electric Vehicles

Driving your fleet
into the future

frequently asked questions

The Navistar Zero Emissions will support your transition by facilitating a comprehensive buying process, which encompasses much more than your vehicle purchase. Our consultative approach leverages the insights of Zero Emissions subject matter experts and internal teams as well as partnerships with third-party entities such as In-Charge Energy and OneH2, to ensure you are purchasing not just the vehicles but the charging solutions and infrastructure that enable your customers’ success.

A great starting place is the TCO Calculator. The Zero Emissions team can also help: Schedule a visit HERE.
Why is the commercial vehicle industry transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles? Because of the damaging effects of fossil fuels on the environment, the push for EVs has never been greater. The transition to zero-emissions vehicles will help to reduce the impact of fossil fuel use on climate change, air, and water quality. Depending on the type of vehicle, battery electric trucks and buses are up to 3.5 times more efficient than diesel and natural gas vehicles at normal speeds. (SOURCE: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/battery-electric-truck-and-bus-energy-efficiency-compared-conventional-diesel) With fewer parts to replace, maintenance on each vehicle will also be greatly reduced.
Simply put, zero-emissions vehicles are quicker, quieter, and cleaner, creating a better experience inside the vehicle and out, while producing zero tailpipe emissions. Furthermore, EV trucks cost less in the long run because they have less parts and require less maintenance

High-voltage batteries power the truck, communicating with software that sends energy to an electric motor. Battery electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions. 
Currently, battery electric vehicles are ideally suited for operations such as:

 

  • Regional haul day cab routes
  • Vehicles that return to the depot at the end of the day/shift for charging, example, school buses
  • Areas where there are federal or state incentives for infrastructure and fleet investments
  • Dense urban areas where total cost of ownership can be on par with traditional powertrains
Necessary infrastructure upgrades are in process. Most utilities are investing in grid updates and are preparing for the future of zero-emissions vehicles. As for the present, commercial EVs are unlikely to overload the grid, since most charging takes place at night, when electricity demand is lowest.
During the delivery of the vehicle, International Truck & IC Bus is committed to help train local first responders of the EV bus being put into service in their area. We have published documents on the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) documenting where the safety switches and cut points on our vehicle. The battery chemistry does not require special chemical extinguishers to help fight the fire.
Yes, there are a number of grants available by state and county depending on your located/area of responsibility (AOR). Tax credits are also very important when it comes to regional haul – the more miles driven the more credits returned. The Zero Emissions Grants Team can help identify Grants that will work for your needs.
While infrastructure varies state to state, it is vitally important that if you plan to add EVs to your fleet, to engage now and start talking to your utility company to gauge your energy requirements now and in the long term.
We are currently collaborating with partners on standardizing charging capabilities and will have a clearer picture within the next 12 months. Navistar is committed to ensure that our vehicles work with a number of chargers for mixed fleet solutions.

Product questions

Important safety features include:

  • Electric “handshake” high-voltage interlock
  • Charging only possible when the cable is fully connected
  • Protection from high voltage during charging, maintenance or accidents
  • Safe in all weather conditions
  • Vehicle is immobile while charging: Impossible to drive off while connected
One reason today’s electric trucks and buses can achieve such impressive range is regenerative braking technology. Instead of using friction from the brake rotors (which is wasted energy) to slow the vehicle, under moderate braking, electric trucks and buses use the electric motor to slow down, while at the same time, charging the battery.
  • Level 1 provides similar stopping capabilities to a traditional automatic transmission vehicle. 
  • Level 2 provides a moderate amount of regenerative braking. 
  • Level 3 allows for one-pedal style driving and will slow the vehicle to a few miles per hour with the driver using the service brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 

Although factors such as battery composition, temperature, charging rate, etc., affect EV battery performance, it is not unusual for them to last the life of the vehicle. For additional peace of mind, International® offer extended battery warranties.

Estimated range varies on several factors, but most vehicles achieve a reliable range of 135 miles per charge.

Climate, terrain, use of regenerative braking, AC/Heat usage, and vehicle use may all affect the range. The Zero Emissions team can help with route consultation to determine range for your application.

The eMV is roughly 3500 pounds heavier than a similar diesel spec in any frame length. Payload capacity would be reduced by 3500 – 4,000 pounds for BEV vs. diesel. Actual weights can be provided by creating a specification.

 

Our purposely designed battery thermal management system is focused on keeping the batteries at an optimal temperature range to reduce the risk and protect battery integrity.

Our dedicated Zero Emissions Deployment team will assist with dealership staff, customer, driver, and first responder training to ensure that all parties know how to properly operate, maintain, and charge their vehicle.

There is no issue with washing your electric vehicle. It is advised to avoid high pressure spray on electrical components, especially directly into connectors. Vehicles sh