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A Bright Day for a Greener Future: PITT OHIO Unveils Major Electrification Upgrade at Harrisburg Facility

September 2025 | Harrisburg, PA

Beneath a sky brushed in brilliant blue, with a playful wind stirring the banners and jackets alike, PITT OHIO’s Harrisburg terminal became the vibrant stage for a milestone celebration. On this picture-perfect day, the hum of excitement rivaled the summer breeze as a diverse gathering of vendors, valued customers, political leaders, and key stakeholders converged to commemorate the completion of the electrification project—a transformative leap forward in sustainable transportation.

Around sixty-five guests mingled outdoors, while the newly installed electric charging stations gleamed in the sunlight. The sense of shared achievement was palpable, from the first handshake of the morning to the last spark of curiosity at the “Touch a Truck” event, where everyone had the chance to get up close and personal with the cutting-edge electric fleet.

Transformative Upgrades and Features

PITT OHIO’s Harrisburg terminal’s electrification project included a comprehensive electric utility service upgrade—everything from a brand-new service drop to advanced transformer and switchgear assemblies. Shiny exterior switchboards and panelboards now pulse with energy, powering both state-of-the-art charging units and the familiar backbone of the terminal’s operations. The site’s EV charging infrastructure stands ready, with the capacity to support eight trucks, six forklifts, and four passenger vehicles. Even the prospect of a power outage can’t dim the new system’s potential: a robust one-megawatt backup generator waits on standby, its fuel reserves capable of keeping those EV trucks and forklifts running for a full twenty-four hours.

To accommodate this leap into the future, the terminal’s physical layout was thoughtfully adapted—both inside and out. A dedicated team of engineers and electrical contractors spent two years envisioning, designing, permitting, and refining every detail, ensuring seamless integration of new switchgear and charging units without missing a beat in daily operations.

Fleet Innovation

The true stars of the celebration, however, stood gleaming and ready for inspection: PITT OHIO’s electrified fleet. Guests admired the Class 7 Mack Medium Duty Electric Box Truck—capable of hauling up to 15,800 lbs, traveling up to 230 miles on a charge, and offering flexible charging options, from overnight AC to rapid DC fast charging. Not far away, the Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia showcased its impressive 438 kWh battery, advanced safety systems, and lightning-fast 270 kW charging.

With these latest additions, PITT OHIO’s alternative fuel fleet reached a total of 25 vehicles—a testament to the company’s ongoing leadership in sustainable logistics.

Celebrating Public-Private Partnership

The event was further enlivened by inspiring remarks from Secretary Jessica Shirley of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), who hailed the project as “a model for how public-private partnerships can accelerate the adoption of clean transportation technologies and improve air quality for all Pennsylvanians.” Doug Brown, Chief of Staff for Senator Patty Kim’s office, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure as a driver for both community support and economic vitality.

Taki Darakos, Vice President of Vehicle Maintenance at PITT OHIO, captured the day’s spirit: “This may be a celebration to mark the end of the electrification implementation, but it’s really just the beginning. Thanks to the visionary support of the Department of Environmental Protection, we are redefining the future of sustainable transportation—setting new standards for clean energy innovation and inspiring others to join us in building a smarter, greener tomorrow.”

As the afternoon sun danced on the windshields of silent trucks, it was clear that the Harrisburg electrification project is not just an engineering triumph but a testament to what’s possible when public and private sectors unite in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable future.