Navistar’s eStar all-electric truck is ready to roll
WARRENVILLE, Ill. — One year after US President Barack Obama announced a multi-million-dollar pledge to develop and deploy electric trucks at an Indiana-based Navistar facility, the manufacturer’s eStar all-electric truck is now coming off the production line.
Following a production kick-off at the Wakarusa, Ind. plant in May and introductory launch events in Portland, Ore., and Sacramento, Calif., in May and June, Navistar officials say the eStar all-electric truck is generating significant interest in the marketplace.
“In just the last two months, we’ve seen a number of customers – large and small – express interest in the eStar all-electric truck,” said Mark Aubry, eStar’s vice-president of sales and marketing. “We’ve delivered eStar trucks to FedEx and Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and with vehicle orders in the pipeline, we continue to work toward our goal of building 400 units this year.”
As customers begin taking delivery of the eStar vehicle, Navistar will be working to build and develop its sales, service and support network through local dealerships in key markets, according to the company.
In the Pacific Northwest market, Cascadia International Trucks of Tacoma, Wash. brings more than 50 years of commercial truck experience and will provide all sales, service and parts needs for eStar customers in the region.
Navistar also has added dealers in the Northern and Southern California markets – Riverview International Trucks of West Sacramento, and WESTRUX International of Sante Fe Springs, Calif., respectively. There are additional expectations to open other Midwest and East Coast dealers within the next 45 days, the company says.
With regards to financing, Navistar officials note that the eStar is the only production electric truck that can be leased.
“Production of a commercial electric vehicle is a significant and important milestone for the marketplace,” added Aubry. “To be able to offer flexible leasing opportunities is a first for any company in this space and shows Navistar’s commitment to deliver innovative solutions to meet customer needs in newly developing areas, such as the eStar all-electric truck.”
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Greetings. It is very encouraging to learn about Navistar’s efforts to mass produce and distribute an all electric vehicle fleet. I am most eager to learn if there are plans to produce such a vehicle, say scaled down, for the consumer? The design is excellent, its looks and function, futuristic and capable. I sincerely hope there will be a model(s) available to the public soon. Best wishes of continued success! GOD Bless!