Motiv introduces medium-duty electric truck

Motiv Power Systems recently introduced the new Argo Series electric truck for medium-duty applications, including refrigerated vehicles, box trucks, and step vans.

The San Francisco-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer says the Argo features the first MD cab “designed from the ground up,” using customer-driven miles and fleet owner feedback built. Built for Class 4-6 applications, the Argo Series features Motiv’s next-generation electric powertrain with “industry-leading” torque and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an advertised range of 150 to 200 miles.

Argo trucks are available for pre-order, and are expected to hit the road in 2024.

“The market is demanding a proven solution that enables companies to confidently scale their EV vehicle fleets, which is where Motiv steps in: Argo combines our proven powertrain technology with a new driver-centric cab to deliver an unparalleled EV experience,” Motiv CEO Tim Krauskopf said in a news release. “In California for example, the Advanced Clean Fleet Rule is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and the state needs roughly 20,000 new zero-emission, medium-duty EVs on the road by the end of 2024.

“The Argo Series will help meet the growing demand of many companies waiting for an EV solution capable of supporting a wide range of applications.”

Motiv has provided battery-electric trucks for companies like Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries, and Purolator since 2009, deploying more than 180 vehicles that have racked up more than 2.8 million miles with fleets across North America. The manufacturer also boasts a “growing footprint” with MD fleets who are logging more than 70,000 miles a month, Motiv said.

“After years of helping fleets put EVs on the roads, Motiv has the right combination of daily route experience and expertise to design and build its own cab—the next step toward becoming a full-featured original equipment manufacturer,” said Jim Castelaz, Motiv’s founder and CTO. “Many have joined the commercial EV space by jumping in headfirst and starting with ultra-modern, flashy designs that don’t always offer practical driving experiences. Motiv, on the other hand, has carefully applied insights gathered over the last decade to create Argo, a truck that marries the reliability and work focus of Motor City with Silicon Valley innovation.”

New Argo vehicles boast futuristic cabs designed for electric vehicles, distinguishing them from traditional internal combustion trucks, while maintaining the utility of the vehicle. Key design features promote:

• Energy efficiency: Energy optimization is everywhere in the Argo cab’s composite structure, including windshields with built-in heat to save on defrosting energy, seats heated with specially designed airflow, and a shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab distance to create more maneuverable trucks. The weight savings of composites means more payload, offsetting incremental battery weight.
• Command seating position for driver comfort: The Argo cab features a command seating position informed by customer experience to relieve driver fatigue and decrease work compensation-related injuries. This feature provides superior visibility and ergonomics compared to conventional cabs, includes sightlines at the four points of the vehicle, incorporates lower belt lines for better visibility, and features door access with full size interior steps.
• Safety: The Argo Series leverages both active and passive safety features, and provides best-in-class visibility and ingress/egress for the driver, reinforcing safety at every turn.
• Superior thermal performance: Built from structural composites, the Argo cab outperforms other cabs for both heating and cooling. Using less battery energy to keep the driver comfortable translates to more energy available for driving range. The advanced thermal performance also lends itself to less road noise, ultimately reducing driver fatigue.