Navistar Launches eStar Electric Truck

Navistar Inc. has introduced its first all-electric delivery van, a medium-duty model with a range of up to 100 miles that can be recharged in six to eight hours.

The truck, to be sold under the dedicated eStar brand, has a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 pounds and will be offered initially with either a 14-foot or 16-foot cargo box. Its gross vehicle weight rating is 12,100 pounds.

Its first customer is FedEx Corp., which is placing four vans in service in Los Angeles. FedEx spokeswoman Deborah Willig said the vans will be used for eight-hour delivery shifts.

Navistar intends to deliver 400 eStar vans by year-end, the company said during a May 13 webinar to introduce the truck, which will carry an initial price tag of less than $150,000.