Zeus Electric Chassis and Edison Manufacturing and Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding to partner in the production of Class 5 chassis cab work trucks starting in 2024.
"We are delighted to join this journey with Zeus to electrify the commercial fleet work truck market segment, and we're excited about Zeus' differentiated product,” said Brandon Bartneck, Edison VP and general manager. “We continue to grow our portfolio as a trusted production partner for companies launching new products in the electrification space, and we're eager to further expand our impact."
Read more: How to smooth the road to electric work trucks
Zeus will be utilizing their class 5 launch configuration with 2WD with a dual rear wheel e-axle, conventional cab, and a new 800V electrical architecture. Meanwhile, Zeus is also in the later stages of design and validation to become an OEM of battery electric zero emission work trucks suited for multiple commercial applications.
Edison’s specialization in flexible production of low volume mobility and mobility-related products will assist in production development, and, as the agreement further defines, Edison may also assist Zeus with process engineering.
The parallel development of the assembly process while Zeus completes product development is a great match, the companies claimed in a press release. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has also publicly supported Zeus' efforts to bring electric work trucks to market and provided pilot orders to prove their resolve.
The first units to be built by Edison in 2024 are targeted for delivery to SMUD.
“It's great that we can bring the Minnesota and Michigan ecosystems together to launch our product,” said Zeus Managing Director Dave Stenson. “We look forward to working with the Edison team in finalizing the specifics of the agreement and deliver these highly anticipated and great-performing EV work trucks next year."