Motiv Debuts Truck, Bus Chassis

Responding to fleet market demand for a complete, body-ready chassis, Motiv Power Systems has introduced the EPIC (Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis) all-electric chassis family.

Based on the Ford chassis used in the E-450, F-59, and F-53 trucks, the EPIC chassis family are production line ready, drop-in replacements for the equivalent engine-powered chassis. They are available for a range of medium-duty body applications including walk-in vans, box trucks, school buses, shuttle buses and specialty vehicles.

For fleets, the new Motiv chassis can mean an accelerated procurement process and a single warranty for the entire chassis, instead of separate ones for the chassis and components, the company said.

“Since 2009, Motiv has been dedicated to taking the guesswork out of adding all-electric vehicles to existing fleets. Moving from providing powertrain kits to manufacturing complete electric chassis is a natural evolution for us,” said Jim Castelaz, founder and CEO of Motiv Power Systems, Foster City, Calif. “With the debut of the EPIC chassis family, fleet buyers and operators seeking un-compromised performance and functionality, together with dramatically reduced operating and servicing costs, now have a streamlined path towards that goal.”

Having received Ford’s qualified vehicle modifier approval (EQVM), Motiv said the new EPIC chassis family provides a broad range of capabilities in range, power, and capacity. The chassis uses Motiv’s Smart Power Control Technology and is available with universal charging compatibility and secure remote telematics and diagnostics.