Commercial vehicle makers dive into EVs
Courtesy of Automotive News By Richard Truett & Jerry Hirsch
Environmental regulations and large purchase incentives fuel the market for electric vans and trucks.
Battle Motors
Courtesy of Automotive News By Richard Truett & Jerry Hirsch
Increasingly stringent state and federal environmental regulations combined with corporate sustainability goals have created a rapidly developing market for zero-emission commercial vehicles that includes everything from delivery vans to work trucks to big rigs.
Legacy truck manufacturers and new entrants are moving to fill the need. Their products include the electric Freightliner Class 8 eCascadia and many smaller chassis cabs and specialty vehicles from a host of startups. The market is fueled by government-backed incentives, including those of the Inflation Reduction Act, that range from $7,500 for Class 3 vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less to up to $40,000 for medium- and heavy-duty trucks weighing more than 14,000 pounds. States such as California offer incentives that can top $200,000 depending on the vehicle and the buyer.
Here's a look at the major new and established commercial truck companies and their product plans:
Last year, the New Philadelphia, Ohio, company launched production of the EV City Tractor, an electric platform that can work for Class 6, 7 and 8 trucks. The platform is tailored for urban delivery and logistics in regions with stringent environmental regulations and noise constraints. It has a range of 100 to 200 miles, depending on configurations and a gross vehicle weight rating of 50,000 pounds.
In 2024, Battle Motors will unveil its EV roll-off truck tailored for waste management. It is designed to transport large containers to disposal or recycling facilities and subsequently swap them out for empty containers. The platform has a range of 130 to 150 miles and a gross vehicle weight rating ranging from 26,000 to 54,000 pounds.