Dimension Fabricators Deploys Orange EV Electric Yard Truck Powered by Onsite Solar Array

Julie Brooks2026-01-26T12:07:57-06:00March 22, 2018|Manufacturing|

KANSAS CITY, MO and SCHENECTADY, NY, March 21, 2018 - to Dimension’s manufacturing facility in the Schenectady, NY area. The Orange EV electric yard truck joins Dimension’s fleet of specialty tractors and trailers, all designed for 100-foot loads of concrete-reinforcing steel products. Powered by solar energy generated onsite, the new 100% electric truck further reduces Dimension’s carbon footprint, increases energy efficiency, decreases operational costs, and helps customers achieve supply-chain sustainability goals. The emission-free Orange EV truck can be used indoors, and the clean, quiet, vibration-free operation improves employee health and safety. Scott Stevens, Dimension’s President, commented, “In order to deliver the highest quality product, we continually adopt new technologies and develop innovative processes to meet customer needs in the most efficient and sustainable ways.” in August 2017 and five months later deployed its first pure-electric terminal truck, now effectively free to fuel with energy generated by Dimension’s rooftop solar panels. Scott continued, “We believe investments in clean technology are not only the right thing to do for the environment, but also give us, and by extension our customers, a competitive advantage.” The electric truck was purchased using funds through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program which supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s aggressive clean energy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administers the program. Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Dimension Fabricators continues to show leadership by demonstrating how manufacturing companies can incorporate clean energy technologies into their businesses to reduce operating costs and create a healthier environment for employees. Its sustainability goals are a prime example of how local businesses are supporting Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy goals and our fight against climate change.” As a result of the Truck Voucher Incentive Program, Dimension deployed the Orange EV truck for about the price of a diesel. By eliminating diesel fuel, exhaust fluid, and other diesel-related expenses, they expect significantly . Dimension anticipates fuel and preventative maintenance savings of at least $10,000-$15,000 annually on 2,000-2,500 hours of truck operation. “Going electric means we’re also free from headaches that come with diesel emission control technology,” shared Scott. “For emissions control systems to work, diesel exhaust has to get and stay hot, which doesn’t happen with low-speed, start-stop usage like ours. As a result, systems clog up and trucks don’t work properly.” In contrast, Orange EV electric trucks . And the powertrain is just one of many improvements fleets prefer over diesel.” Since Dimension’s trucks must operate inside the plant alongside active manufacturing processes, vibration, noise, and exhaust from diesels are a nuisance and potential safety hazard. “Our drivers routinely back 60-foot trailers into the plant, and the diesel trucks vibrate and rattle, shaking mirrors wildly and moving them out of alignment. It’s aggravating and unsafe,” shared Greg Stevens, Dimension’s Operations Manager. “The Orange EV truck is a drastic improvement – it’s smooth and quiet, we no longer have to shout to communicate, and no fumes exhaust into the building.” is increasingly important in an industry facing driver shortages. Dimension has very low turnover and strives to further increase retention, in part by enhancing driver comfort. “Happy and safe operators stick with you for the long term, and the guys just love the new Orange EV truck,” said Greg. “They can’t stop raving about it, especially the interior creature comforts given recent weather. It’s been extremely cold with highs in the single digits. The way the operators are in and out of the truck making short moves, they really appreciate heat that actually works.” Orange EV directly discounted the price of Dimension’s truck using the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program. Funds are still available but fleets are encouraged to act by end of March; under the current program, trucks must be delivered and funds redeemed by June 30, 2018. Serving the construction industry since 1984, . Kansas City based terminal trucks (aka yard trucks, hostlers, spotters), Orange EV was the first and is still the only manufacturer offering 100% electric Class 8 vehicles that have been commercially deployed and re-ordered into container handling operations. { "@context": "", "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "", "url": "", "contentlocation": "US", "name": "Dimension PR Photo side by Side", "description": "An angle view of a blue Dimension Fabricators electric yard truck manufactured by Orange EV", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Orange EV", "url": "", "image": "" } } { "@context": "", "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "", "url": "", "contentlocation": "US", "name": "Dimension PR Photo side by Side", "description": "A front view of a blue Dimension Fabricators electric yard truck manufactured by Orange EV", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Orange EV", "url": "", "image": "" } }

Sonwil Deploys Orange EV Electric Yard Truck to Buffalo NY Distribution Center

Julie Brooks2026-01-26T12:08:39-06:00February 7, 2018|Warehouse & Distribution|

KANSAS CITY, MO and BUFFALO, NY, February 7, 2018 - , today announced the 2017 deployment of Orange EV’s T-Series pure-electric terminal truck to Sonwil’s 300,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center in Buffalo, New York. Replacing diesel with an Orange EV electric yard truck further delivers on Sonwil’s commitment to their customers to provide solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and help achieve sustainability goals. “Sonwil’s philosophy is simple,” said Dave Harper, President of (ITS), Sonwil’s transportation arm. “We put the customer first, continually working to add value, meet the customer’s evolving needs, and strengthen their competitive advantage.” For example, to increase efficiency and sustainability, ITS has worked with key industry partners to design custom trailers, both dry and refrigerated, to haul increased loads. The specialized dry trailers carry over 55% more per load resulting in fewer trips, significantly lower costs, and smaller carbon footprint. “We like to operate on the leading-edge with clean technologies,” continued Harper. “Sonwil was one of the first thousand orders for Class 8 12-liter CNG tractors, and now we’re moving into Class 8 electric. The Orange EV truck is a good fit with our mission, . And compared to the steep learning curve with CNG, the electric yard horse was easy – just plug it in.” . Diesel yard trucks are costly to operate due to fuel expense, maintenance, and emission control requirements; they also pose risks to employee health and safety. Fumes, heat, and dust are a few of Sonwil’s biggest challenges with diesel. Owen Owens, lead has been great. We still have a diesel yard horse here but I prefer the electric, and so do other drivers. It’s a lot quieter and you don’t have exhaust gas emissions. Summer will be great since we won’t be sitting on top of the engine cooking. Plus, we operate on a dirt lot and the diesel kicks up the dust and sucks it into the cab. With the electric, there’s no dust.” The Orange EV truck also performed well in the cold, working through a bitter January with back-to-back days of below-zero temperatures and wind chill of 30+ below. Orange EV’s electric terminal trucks (aka yard trucks, horses, spotters, hostlers, etc.) operate in all segments of the container-handling market including ports, rail intermodal, manufacturing, distribution, parcel, waste transfer, LTL freight, third party logistics, and more. Understanding that each yard is physically and operationally unique, Orange EV delivers site-specific electric vehicle solutions backed by committed engineering and technical support. In early operations with their electric terminal truck, Sonwil faced a unique challenge with the truck/trailer connection. Said Harper, “From the beginning, Orange EV treated the issue with urgency. They were in constant communication, and working together we found a solution.” He concluded, “The Orange EV electric has reduced maintenance, , and we expect to see reduced costs. To other fleets considering electric, I’d say don’t be afraid to dive in – you will be rewarded.” A family-owned and operated logistics solutions firm, . Kansas City based . { "@context": "", "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "", "contentlocation": "United States", "url": "", "name": "Innovative Transportation Services (ITS) with their new Orange EV T-Series pure-electric terminal truck. From left: James Hotnich, Dispatch Manager; Owen Owens, Driver; and Dave Harper, President of ITS.", "description": "Innovative Transportation Services (ITS) with their new Orange EV T-Series pure-electric terminal truck. From left: James Hotnich, Dispatch Manager; Owen Owens, Driver; and Dave Harper, President of ITS.", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Orange EV", "url": "", "image": "" } }