This week, Wallace State Community College unveiled its new all-electric, heavy-duty vehicle, the first of its kind sold in the state.

The school recently purchased a Kenworth T680E Class 8 heavy-duty electric vehicle from Truckworx.

The purchase of the vehicle is intended to expand the Diesel Technolgy Program at Wallace State, and hopes to provide the students with more knowledge before joining the workforce.

“We are on the forefront of it, we are the leaders in the EV, as far as in this area,” said Travis Kress, EV Project Coordinator at Wallace State. “This truck is the first one in this area and with our students they’re still going to have the same traditional training they’ve always had, but this is just one more tool in their toolbox as EV continues to grow and become more popular.”

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This new EV purchase was made possible with funds provided in a three-year, $1.3 million grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Students in the diesel technology program learn how to work on heavy-duty vehicles all the way from preventative maintenance procedures to engine building.

“I’ve really enjoyed all the stuff we’ve gotten to do as in tearing diesel engines apart, going part by part and just fixing engines,” said Houston White, a student in the Diesel Technology Program.

They will now be able offer electric vehicle training in three areas: diesel technology, advanced automotive technology and electrical technology.

With the help of Cullman Electric Cooperative, they will be installing electric vehicle charging stations on campus.

Wallace State Community College hopes to begin offering these electric vehicle training courses in the Spring 2024 semester.