Ryder set to unfurl industry-first electric vehicle charging infrastructure

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Updated Jan 3, 2020
The partnership allows Ryder to expand in the electric vehicle space, and become the first in the industry to offer a scalable and customizable charging and fleet management solution.The partnership allows Ryder to expand in the electric vehicle space, and become the first in the industry to offer a scalable and customizable charging and fleet management solution.

Ryder rang in the new year by unfurling its plans to develop an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to service its customers who deploy battery-electric trucks.

In partnership with privately-held energy solutions company In-Charge Energy, Inc., and electrification technology developer ABB, Ryder Chief Technology Officer for Fleet Management Solutions Rich Mohr said said the company’s goal is to provide turnkey charging capabilities nationwide.

“Through this partnership, our customers will have greater access to electric vehicle strategic planning and energy cost savings related to engineering and implementing charging strategies,” he said, adding the service will allow Ryder customers to safely and more predictably expand EV footprints.

Through the agreement, In-Charge CEO Cameron Funk said his company will assist Ryder customers seeking to electrify their fleet by assessing power capabilities and the needs to implementing a charging infrastructure while also providing guidance toward entry into the EV market.

ABB manufactures vehicle charging systems of up to 600kW in public, transit and scaled fleet segments, having deployed more than 12,000 connected DC fast and high power chargers in 76 countries in the last decade.

Led by commercial vans, the electric commercial vehicle market is projected to hit 260,777 units this year, according to a report published by research firm Markets and Markets late last year. It is projected to grow by 32.7% from 2020 to 2027 and reach a volume in excess of 1,800,000 units by 2027.

Ryder has previously announced EV partnerships with electric commercial van company Chanje and hydrogen-electric truck company Nikola Motors.

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected]