South Bend-based Tire Rack celebrated the acquisition of two all-electric terminal trucks with a ribbon cutting Dec. 10.
Tire Rack purchased the two 2024 Orange EV e-TRIEVER all-electric terminal trucks with $520,392 in funding. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust awarded the funding.
As part of Tire Rack’s sustainability and diesel emission reduction efforts, this project will replace two diesel-powered terminal trucks. The switch is projected to displace over 10,000 diesel gallons annually.
The celebration included an electric vehicle test drive event on Tire Rack’s closed track. Law enforcement officials and other local government employees test drove various electric vehicles best suited for their day-to-day operations.
“This project is an important step in our journey toward sustainability, but it represents just one part of Tire Rack’s broader efforts to create meaningful environmental impact,” said Connor Edmonds, Tire Rack director of engineering and facilities, in a press release. “We remain dedicated to pursuing new projects and initiatives that drive continuous progress, reduce emissions and contribute to a healthier future for our community and beyond.”
Tire Rack is a member of Drive Clean Indiana and Michiana Area of Council Government Northern Indiana Green Fleet. The Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool shows St. Joseph County is in the 75th percentile statewide for individuals with asthma. Implementing the electric terminal truck project will reduce NOx emissions in the county by 23 short tons per year.
Since 2015, Orange EV has deployed more than 1,000 all-electric terminal trucks. Customers use their electric trucks in over 220 fleets across 38 states and Ontario, Canada. The manufacturer boasts an uptime of over 98% and an ownership cost less than that of a diesel terminal truck.
Tire Rack is a tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, wheel and performance accessories. Their team tests tires from tire manufacturers at the company’s 12-acre test facility. Family-owned and operated, Tire Rack has 12 distribution centers.
“This project shows great leadership from an Indiana-based company to decarbonize its emissions from every tire that is transported at this facility,” Ryan Lisek, Drive Clean Indiana program director, said. “This project improves quality of life for the local community, but also lowers the carbon footprint for every customer Tire Rack serves.”