Pioneering the Electric Future: US Air Conditioning's Electric Truck Journey with Westrux International
Pioneering the Electric Future: US Air Conditioning's Electric Truck Journey with Westrux International
Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a distant vision for the future; it's a tangible leap forward in reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable business practices. For US Air Conditioning—a leading distributor of HVAC parts, who operates an extensive fleet of trucks—the introduction of electric trucks into their operations heralds a revolutionary shift towards environmental stewardship, made seamless by the partnership efforts of Westrux International and Navistar.
A Partnership for Progressive Change
For US Air Conditioning, the motivation to switch to electric trucks is deeply interwoven with their company ethos—a commitment to protecting our planet. "For us, it is very important to show our commitment to the environment," Jack Scarsi, VP, Operations & Finance, US Air Conditioning said. Their collaboration with Westrux International and Navistar underscores the vital importance of having knowledgeable partners when undertaking such a game-changing transition.
Westrux knew it was essential to deliver International eMV electric trucks that suited our customers needs but also provide a partnership that would guide them through unfamiliar territory. The teams at Westrux and Navistar did just that. "We brought some of our drivers and test the trucks and at that point we were sold on electric trucks," mentioned, Jack Scarsi. From test drives that convince drivers of the benefits of electric over diesel to the continued support throughout the planning and transition process, Westrux was committed to partnership excellence.
First Impressions and the Transformational Experience
Testing the waters with two brand-new International eMV electric trucks, US Air Conditioning received glowing feedback from their drivers. "The drivers were quite impressed with the electric trucks. They have no vibrations, the trucks are very quiet, they have instant torque, instant pick-up. It was a dream come truck for them," said Scarsi.
"My advice to any business considering electric trucks is – drive one. It's a whole different experience," said Scarsi.
Building the Infrastructure for Tomorrow
One of the pivotal steps in adopting EVs is establishing an adequate charging infrastructure. Navistar's guidance in defining a feasible plan for charging solutions was instrumental for US Air Conditioning. John Scarsi stated, "The infrastructure for electric vehicles is very important. It's one of the first things you need to start thinking about. Navistar helped us make the right connections to find the right people and the right vendors to come up with a plan for our infrastructure. Our scheduled charging plan is two-fold. We have the DC fast chargers during the day to put the trucks back out on the road. We also have the level 2 charging to charge the trucks over night."
Navigating the Transition
The roadmap to electrification is carefully charted by the insights and consultation of the seasoned Westrux and Navistar teams. The comprehensive plan entails:
Consulting
To identify the suitable fit for electric trucks within a fleet, Westrux and Navistar look at various factors such as sustainability goals and typical route details. They also play a significant role in assisting customers with grant applications to alleviate the financial burden of electrification. Janice Thomas, Grants Support Manager at Navistar stated, "I partnered very closely with the dealership and US Air to get through the application process. When a customer gets a grant, I am usually elated. For US Air it was like, yes, we got a win!"
Deployment and Training
Once the grants are processed, it's all about getting the trucks on the road. Westrux's commitment shines during the deployment phase, focusing on commissioning and meticulous training of the fleet. "The great thing about the trusted advisors of Navistar and Westrux is they hung around all day the first day we had the trucks to make sure we knew how they worked. They're partners with us in business and they stuck with us every step of the way," remarks Scarsi.
The Benefits and Beyond
What makes electric trucks a catch for US Air Conditioning? The zero emissions lead the way in environmental benefits, followed by the promise of noise reduction, lower maintenance needs, and an impressive driving experience courtesy of the low center of gravity of these vehicles.
Navistar's Visionary Goals
Navistar aims high with the aspiration that by 2030, half of their vehicle sales should be electric. This ambitious target demonstrates their dedication to leading the charge (quite literally!) towards a cleaner, greener future in the world of commercial transportation.
Looking Ahead
For any fleet managers or company owners mulling over the prospect of transitioning to electric trucks, US Air Conditioning's story with Westrux International stands as an inspiring testament. As we move towards greener horizons, it's evident that with the right partnerships and an open-minded approach, the road ahead is not just electric—it's exhilarating.
For more insights on fleet electrification, contact the EV specialist team at Westrux. And remember, as US Air Conditioning can attest, the future is not just about going electric—it's about doing so with partners like Westrux and Navistar illuminating the path forward.