In a key move towards enhancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure across the United States, Penske Truck Leasing has recently been announced as a charter member of Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT). This inclusion not only broadens the coalition’s expertise but significantly positions Penske, a major fleet operator, on PACT’s Board of Directors.

Penske, a company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, manages a substantial fleet exceeding 445,800 vehicles among other services and has consistently been ahead in integrating sustainable technologies within its operations. With electric vehicle (EV) charging stations ramping up, including those in locations like Stockton, California, Penske’s commitment to fleet electrification is quite evident. The company’s efforts encompass extensive testing of ZEVs, advising fleet customers on their adoption, and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

PACT is prominently involved in advocacy and education aimed at accelerating the construction of infrastructure needed for medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The importance of such initiatives is underscored by the trucking industry’s significant role in the US logistics and supply chain, being responsible for transporting around 80 percent of all goods in the country. The transition to ZEV infrastructure, therefore, directly impacts economic sustainability and environmental preservation.

This strategic inclusion of Penske in PACT also comes at a critical time when infrastructure for electric and zero-emission vehicles is becoming a focal point of national policy on combatting climate change. Penske’s President, Art Vallely, emphasizes the necessity of a sensible regulatory and investment framework that complements the ongoing energy transition, particularly vital for the trucking sector’s sustainability.

Backing from an array of members comprising OEMs, commercial fleets, infrastructure developers, and utilities enriches PACT’s initiative. Companies like Daimler Truck North America, Volvo, and Cummins among others, bring along widespread expertise spanning vehicle production to energy solutions. This collaboration underlines an integrative approach involving diverse stakeholders all focused on a unified goal of facilitating America’s zero-emission objectives.

Moreover, Penske’s active involvement on the PACT Board, through Paul Rosa, Senior Vice President of Procurement and Fleet Planning, ensures that practical insights on fleet operational needs are effectively communicated and considered in strategic plans. This association bridges crucial knowledge gaps between segments within the electric utility and truck sectors, fostering a more coherent and actionable path toward national ZEV infrastructural expansion.

As America moves toward its ambition of a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future, partnerships like that of Penske and PACT represent critical milestones. Not only do they set the stage for a collaborative effort towards environmental commitments but also highlight the commercial viability and holistic benefits of pursuing innovation in heavy-duty vehicular transport, a sector traditionally dominated by fossil fuel dependence. Such initiatives will likely inspire further support and investment from both private and governmental sectors, accelerating the drive towards a zero-emission landscape in logistics and transportation.