Electric chassis manufacturer Motiv Power Systems recently deployed nine electric box trucks with the Community Resource Project (CRP).
The electric trucks will be utilized in the greater Sacramento CA area to provide home energy audits, weatherization and HVAC services to low-income residents in an area where air quality is some of the worst in the country, the company said. Motiv’s Ford eQVM-approved Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis (EPIC) E-450 chassis were outfitted with work truck bodies by Rockport Commercial Vehicles and purchased through South Bay Ford.
Funding for the electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure comes from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Sacramento Municipal Utility District. The vehicles went through pre-delivery inspection at Motiv’s newly opened Stockton service center, which also will serve as the base for any repairs or maintenance.
“As a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency, it is important that we lead by example in our efforts,” said Luis Sanchez, CEO of CRP. “With the help of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Motiv, we are now able to serve people in the region with a clean mobility option.
“By reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs, we are saving residents money and decreasing emissions and associated air pollution—a win-win for everyone.”
CRP chose Motiv based on the company’s Sacramento presence and its track record of outstanding pre- and post-sales customer support, Motiv said.
“With recent reports showing the impact of poor air quality on human health, it is more important than ever to free fleets from fossil fuels,” said Matt O’Leary, Motiv chairman and CEO. “Our proven software platform is providing the pathway to electrification, and thanks to our customers, we reached 1 million fleet miles in April.”
Motiv is focused on building a flexible system and robust software platform that easily integrates already commercialized high-volume batteries, motors and other components into a chassis. This solution for fleets requires little to no engineering or redesign, Motiv maintained, and provides maximum vehicle configurations and compatibility with existing truck and bus body builders.
“We are proud of our continued partnership with Motiv Power Systems,” said Caleb Pontius, general manager at Rockport Commercial Vehicles by Forest River. “Motiv took the innovative approach of partnering with chassis original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and truck builders like Rockport to electrify the chassis in a way that allows us to run bodies down our assembly line just as we do with any other chassis.
“Safety, battery size/type, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and other specifications are driving the build vs being an afterthought, which is also an ideal set-up for scaling.”
The partnership delivers economic, social and environmental benefits by combining clean jobs with clean air, Motiv added. CRP plans to promote the electric truck project throughout the 42 energy providers network.
“The Sac Metro Air District applauds CRP for being an air-quality advocate and leader by adding these nine electric vehicles to their fleet,” said Alberto Ayala, air pollution control officer. “CRP will operate these Motiv-powered vehicles in our most at-risk communities where they are helping our low-income homeowners make sustainable energy improvements to their homes. Zero-emission vehicle technology protects the health of CRP drivers, reduces air pollution and demonstrates this new technology in the communities CRP serves.
“This is just another example of how CRP continues to serve our community by prioritizing health and a sustainable environment.”