A giant electric semi truck just made history by crossing the border from the United States into Mexico. This is the first time a heavy-duty electric semi has ever hauled a normal load across the border, marking a big step towards cleaner transportation for both countries.
The electric truck belongs to a company called Bali Express, based in San Diego. It’s one of eleven Peterbilt 579EV Class 8 trucks they bought last year. This pioneering electric semi made its maiden voyage to Mexico, carrying a cargo shipment (the exact goods aren’t mentioned) through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, which connects Southern California to Tijuana, Mexico.
This isn’t just a symbolic trip – it’s part of a bigger plan. Bali Express is using charging stations built by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) specifically for electric trucks. These stations are designed to be reliable and affordable, making it easier for more electric semis to hit the road and haul goods across the US-Mexico border.
The charging stations themselves are part of a clean transportation initiative funded by the California Energy Commission. This program has invested over $1 billion in projects that promote alternative fuels and vehicle technologies. The goal? Cleaner air, a healthier environment, and a boost to the economy – a win-win for everyone!
This historic electric truck trip isn’t just about breaking records – it’s a symbol of progress on multiple fronts. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria chimed in, highlighting San Diego’s commitment to innovation, collaboration with Mexico, and building a cleaner future for everyone. He emphasized that this isn’t just about reducing pollution but also creating a healthier environment for people living near the border and taking a leadership role in both international trade and environmental responsibility.
SDG&E is also excited about the possibilities. Their Executive Director, Caroline Winn, called the new charging stations an example of how working together can lead to creative solutions for electrifying our transportation systems.
Now, let’s get into the technical specs of these electric beasts. The Peterbilt 579EV trucks can haul up to 82,000 pounds and use the same powerful electric motor system (called an “epowertrain”) as another electric truck, the PACCAR Kenworth t680e, which debuted in 2022. This system combines electric motors and axles into one easy-to-install unit, making it simpler for manufacturers to switch their fleets to electric by using existing parts designed for traditional gas-powered trucks.
These electric trucks can travel about 150 miles on a single charge and can completely refill their large batteries (400 kWh) in roughly 3 hours. That’s a lot of power and a surprising amount of range for such a heavy-duty vehicle!
