Motiv Power Systems All-Electric EPIC Chassis to be Assembled by Detroit Custom Chassis
FOSTER CITY, Calif. — Motiv Power Systems (Motiv), the leading provider of all-electric medium duty fleet chassis, today announced a commitment from Detroit Custom Chassis LLC (DCC) to install Motiv’s all-electric EPIC® chassis on the base Ford F-59 platform, which is assembled by its affiliate Detroit Chassis Plant (DCP), both owned by Spectra. Assembly of Motiv’s EPIC chassis at DCP enables more efficient and cost effective production and reduced build times to meet growing customer demands for zero emission commercial truck offerings.
As a Ford eQVM certified producer, Motiv worked with Detroit Custom Chassis to optimize production requirements of the electric EPIC chassis to enable it to seamlessly slot into the same assembly lines producing internal combustion engine-powered chassis.
As a Ford eQVM certified producer, Motiv worked with DCC to optimize production requirements of the EPIC chassis to enable it to seamlessly slot into the same assembly lines producing internal combustion engine-powered chassis.
“DCP has long served as the production facility for Ford’s F-59 commercial truck chassis. Since a number of our EPIC chassis variants are based on Ford’s F-59, it made perfect sense to implement an OEM build process that closely mirrors the one used by Ford themselves,” said Matt O’Leary, Motiv’s CEO. “With the scale we are focused on achieving in order to meet market demand, this represents a significant step forward for Motiv.”
Production is already underway at DCP, which has capacity to build up to 90,000 chassis a year at its 220,000 square/foot assembly plant on 33 acres in Detroit, Michigan.
“Detroit Chassis has been in high-level strategic discussions with Motiv going back to 2012 and planning for the F-59 rollout accelerated in 2018. We are excited to now finally be able to showcase the Motiv EPIC chassis rolling out of our facility,” said Michael Guthrie, co-chairman and CEO of DCP. “We couldn’t be happier to see Motiv take a leadership position as the first EV commercial chassis produced by our facility. We expect that over time, electric chassis will sell in similar and, eventually, even greater numbers than gasoline and diesel-powered equivalents. It was a natural fit for DCP to be in the forefront of that market shift.”
The first customer deliveries of Motiv Epic chassis originating from DCC are expected in the first quarter 2019.
About Motiv Power Systems
Founded in 2009, and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems, a leading provider of software and technology to electrify medium duty commercial vehicles, is committed to freeing fleets from their dependence on fossil fuels. Motiv’s EPIC (Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis) are CARB certified, GSA approved, and available for many configurations including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and other specialty vehicles. An EPIC offers uncompromised performance and functionality without the pollution, noise, heat, and vibration of gasoline or diesel power. Motiv is the only Ford eQVM-approved provider of all-electric chassis for commercial trucks and buses and benefits from engineering insights and support from Ford to ensure safety and reliability. With more than 500,000 miles logged among several of the largest fleet operators in the United States, the EPIC family eliminates 100 percent of vehicle emissions, dramatically reduces operating and maintenance costs, and creates a healthier environment for riders and communities, while also reducing driver fatigue. For more information and career opportunities, please visit www.motivps.com and follow us on Twitter @motivps, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Detroit Custom Chassis LLC and Detroit Chassis LLC
Founded in 1998, Detroit Chassis LLC (www.detroitchassis.com) and Detroit Custom Chassis LLC (www.detroitcustomchassis.com), are subsidiaries of Spectra LMP LLC, a concept to customer provider of niche vehicle manufacturing solutions owned by Michael and Carlton Guthrie. Detroit Custom Chassis is a provider of custom upfits, alternative powertrain conversions and complex sub-assemblies to a variety of automotive, Motorhome, commercial truck and transit industries. Detroit Chassis has been recognized by Quality Magazine on the Quality Leadership 100 list, and as “Supplier of the Year” by the National Minority Business Development Council and by On Wheels, Inc. and Minority Supplier of the Year by the National Business League.
