FCCC launches all-electric walk-in van

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. has launched the all-electric MT50e Class 5 walk-in van for last-mile delivery applications.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC), a global manufacturer of gasoline, diesel and alternative-fuel chassis for the medium-duty pickup and delivery applications, has launched the all-electric MT50e Class 5 walk-in van designed to meet the rigorous demands of last-mile delivery without sacrificing power or performance.

Serving as the latest addition to Daimler Trucks North America LLC’s (DTNA) overall electric vehicle portfolio – which includes the Freightliner branded battery-electric eCascadia and eM2, as well as Thomas Built Buses’ Jouley school bus – it aligns with DTNA’s goal to exclusively offer carbon-neutral products by 2039. FCCC is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

The MT50e’s range of 150 to 170 miles on a single charge and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 19,000 lb. provide a comparable product to the existing MT chassis, the company said. The MT50e is designed and built to the same body dimensions as the gas and diesel MT, which is intended to allow existing bodies to be utilized with little change and easy integration into existing fleets.

The powertrain for the new MT50e walk-in van includes Dana’s Spicer Electrified eS9000r e-Axle.

The electric powertrain includes a Proterra battery pack with a capacity of 226 kWh that powers a Spicer Electrified S9000r e-Axle from Dana. The S9000r incorporates an integrated motor, transmission and axle into a unit that helps propel the vehicle up to 70 mph at full load. The battery can be fully charged in three hours using the nationwide network of Detroit eFill chargers.

The vehicle also includes traction & stability controls, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, the company’s OptiView fully integrated all-digital gauge display and DriveTech driver controls.

“The MT50e is an innovative, problem-solving product that is the result of collaboration between FCCC and Daimler Trucks North America — and it is the new industry standard in a practical, powerful all-electric delivery vehicle,” said FCCC President and CEO Jeff Sather. “Our customers demand innovative products that are not only safe and reliable, but also clean. Our electric walk-in van helps our customers and company to have a positive impact on business, communities and the environment.”

FCCC said it expects to begin delivering production units of the MT50e in the coming weeks.