Orange EV and Firefly Transportation Services deployed Orange EV T-Series pure electric terminal trucks into yard management operations for a manufacturer of consumer packaged goods. Providing emission-free yard management services at manufacturing and distribution facilities in Michigan and California, Firefly will add new KPI reporting and tracking capabilities while supporting customer sustainability goals.
Firefly offers transportation services, providing customers with Orange EV’s battery-electric yard trucks for spotting operations. Firefly has delivered the first commercially deployed, pure electric Class 8 truck in the state of Michigan.
"To cut operating costs, improve operations, and reduce emissions all at the same time requires firms to do things differently," commented Mike Saxton, Orange EV’s Chief Commercial Officer. "Firefly’s team of respected logistics industry leaders has built a new model for transportation services free from the burdens of older diesel technologies.”
Orange EV’s fleet of Class 8 battery-electric trucks, commercially deployed since 2015, recently surpassed 575,000 miles and 161,000 “key on” hours. Fleets using Orange EV trucks have repeatedly affirmed increased reliability and driver satisfaction as well as reduced maintenance and downtime, according to the company. With operational cost savings of $20,000 to $60,000 annually, the company says the total cost of ownership of an Orange EV electric is often significantly less than that of a diesel.
“From a warehouse and logistics standpoint, we’ve done those jobs, been in those roles, and understand the challenges facing traditional diesel yard management where fleets are hard-pressed to find more savings or productivity. Legacy equipment and systems don’t meet the demands of today’s transportation environment,” said Mike Bohnstengel, Principal Partner at Firefly Transportation Services. “Firefly’s fresh approach delivers immediate cost savings with fuel costs reduced 80 percent or more. Through onboard telematics, key performance indicators, and real-time reporting and analysis, we help clients better understand and manage current yard operations, identify efficiencies, and improve bottom line productivity.”
Firefly employs industry best practices to deliver superior yard management services while improving safety for operators and site personnel. Orange EV trucks have lower noise and vibration and run on voltages less than 120VDC, significantly lower and safer than the 350VDC to 450VDC used by other vehicle manufacturers.
“Some find it hard to believe that an electric truck can do everything their old diesel does while also being cooler, quieter, and lower cost to operate,” Bohnstengel said. “We invite fleets to drive the Orange EV truck and experience safer, emission-free yard management for themselves.”
