Pittsburg State gets 82‑ton Peterbilt 579EV electric
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- Pittsburg State University received an 82,000‑lb GVWR Peterbilt Model 579EV Class 8 electric semi truck donated by The Larson Group (TLG).
- The Larson Group (TLG), a local heavy‑truck dealer specializing in Peterbilt trucks and PACCAR service, made the donation to bolster the Department of Automotive and Engineering Technology’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment program.
- Melissa Larson, TLG’s chief operating officer and Pitt State alumna, said the equipment will give students the industry‑leading skills that employers like TLG seek.
- Peterbilt Model 579EV delivers 445 kW (605 hp) torque, a standard 90‑100 mile loaded range, and an optional 500 kWh battery for up to 200 mile range, targeting short‑haul and drayage work.
- Peterbilt Model 579EV includes a 13‑inch SmartDisplay touchscreen and safety systems such as Bendix Fusion Stop & Auto Go, pedestrian detection ADAS, and high‑beam assist.
- U.S. curricula are part of a wave aimed at mitigating a severe shortage of heavy‑duty vehicle technicians and operators.
Why it matters: Students in the Department of Automotive and Engineering Technology gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge electric trucking, while employers like TLG benefit from a pipeline of technicians equipped for Class 8 EVs; the donation directly tackles the acute shortage of heavy‑duty vehicle technicians across the U.S.
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