CarMax, a major national retailer of used cars, has begun pilot operation of its first electric semi-truck. The company is using a Freightliner eCascadia as a vehicle hauler in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The truck can transport up to seven vehicles at a time, and has a range of around 230 miles, which enables it to efficiently service CarMax’s stores in the region. It will be recharged using a DC charging station at CarMax’s Stockton, California store.

CarMax’s plan is to test the electric semi in real-world conditions. The results of the pilot will help the company make decisions on future deployments of electric semi-trucks.

“We are excited to test the efficiencies of the all-electric semi-truck within our transportation fleet and to see how this vehicle can support our overall sustainability efforts,” said Matt Aman, VP of Logistics at CarMax.

CarMax is leasing the eCascadia from Psenske Truck Leasing.

“Collaborating with forward-thinking customers like CarMax to use electric trucks within their vehicle delivery operations is important to advancing sustainability in the transportation industry,” said Patrick Watt, VP of Alternative Vehicle and Emerging Technologies at Penske. “These electric semi-trucks are well-suited to meet CarMax’s regional delivery needs while also reducing emissions.”

Source: CarMax