Electrical products distributor Sonepar announced Sept. 28 it has selected Penske Truck Leasing to provide its new light-duty electric fleet. Penske Truck Leasing is in the process of delivering nine Ford E-Transit all-electric cargo vans to support the initiative, according to a news release.

The vehicles will be used for regional product deliveries in California, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington state. Penske will provide Sonepar with the vehicles, lease financing, comprehensive preventive maintenance program, 24/7 roadside assistance and the capability to charge the electric vehicles at its locations, according to the release.

Sonepar operating companies acquiring the new vehicles include North Coast Electric, Independent Electric Supply, OneSource Distributors, Capital Electric Supply and Viking Electric. The five electrical distribution companies are the first in the company’s history to use light-duty electric vehicles in the U.S.

“We recognize that electrification of the transportation sector is integral to the sustainability goals of our organization – and the world,” Sonepar vice president of transportation Ray Brown said. “We’re excited to pilot a new EV truck program to test the viability of an electric truck as we plan for future fleet investments.”

“We are very pleased to support Sonepar’s sustainability efforts in the U.S. with the introduction of the Ford E-Transit to their fleet across a range of geographies,” Penske vice president of alternative vehicle and emerging technology Patrick Watt said. “We are confident it will fit in well with their existing operations.”

Sonepar USA ranked as the No. 2 Electrical, Data & Security Distributor in Modern Distribution Management’s 2022 Top Distributor list.