News & Press Archive

November 20, 2024

Motiv Electric Trucks and Hudson County Motors bring Clean, Electric Transportation to Woodbridge, New Jersey

Zero-tailpipe emission shuttle buses will be used to transport senior citizens for shopping, dining and other lifestyle activities

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (November 20, 2024) Motiv Electric Trucks and Hudson County Motors today announced the first of three fully-electric, zero-tailpipe emission shuttle buses. The buses will be deployed in the Township of Woodbridge, New Jersey to shuttle senior citizens from retirement homes and assisted living facilities to other area destinations, like shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores. The first vehicle was unveiled at the New Jersey League of Municipalities annual conference in Atlantic City.

About the Electric Shuttle Buses

Each shuttle bus is 24 feet long and can comfortably seat up to 14 passengers. The 127 kWh Lithium-ion battery packs have a range of up to 105 miles, can be charged with both common Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charge. The fixed-route nature of the shuttle program ensures that the buses can complete their rounds well-within the battery range, while lower cost overnight charging prepares the shuttles for the next day’s runs.

The buses feature Motiv’s EPIC4 platform and bodies built by Endera Motors, a leader in shuttle and school bus bodies. Hudson County Motors, a 70-year-old, family-owned truck dealer facilitated the sale and will continue to provide services for the fleet. The buses are made in America, with engineering, manufacturing and assembly in Michigan, Ohio and California.

“The Township of Woodbridge has long been a leader in advancing sustainability across the board, and the addition of these buses is just another step to reduce pollution and emissions,” said Tom Del Gaudio, New Vehicle Sales Manager at Hudson County Motors. “We’re looking forward to ensuring these great new vehicles deliver on the promise of comfortable, clean and safe transportation.”

About the Program

The 2010 US census data showed that of Woodbridge's 99,585 residents, 12.6 percent, or approximately 12,547 persons, were 65 years of age or older and 9 percent of households in Woodbridge had someone 65 years or older living in it. The township is committed to providing services to enrich their lives through various programs, including transportation.

The Senior Transportation of Woodbridge (STOW) program is curb-to-curb, reservation-based shared ride transportation service to Senior Centers, Woodbridge Community Center, Main Library as well as shopping centers, local doctor appointments and other designation Township events. The program helps each center fulfill its mission to empower adults by providing social, recreational, educational and physical programs/ activities designed to stimulate healthy living, create a sense of purpose and enhance their quality of life.

“Helping senior citizens get out and about is so important to emotional and physical health, which is why this program is so critical for our residents,” said John McCormac, Mayor of Woodbridge. “These new buses will have an immediate and continuing beneficial heath impact on the senior citizens who ride on the shuttle bus, the driver of the bus, the Township employees who service the Township fleet and the Woodbridge communities through which it travels every day of the year.”

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded grant funds to the Township of Woodbridge for six electric heavy-duty vehicles, three of which are all-electric Motiv shuttle buses. DEP has dedicated the use of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds to accelerate transportation electrification in NJ. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions with medium and heavy-duty vehicles emitting more on a per-vehicle basis.

“We applaud the Township of Woodbridge for being an early adopter of medium and heavy-duty vehicle electrification. Providing zero-emission electric shuttle bus services to the senior citizen population shows their commitment to cleaner air by eliminating harmful emissions from diesel exhaust,” said Peg Hanna, Director of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring.

Motiv has developed, manufactured and deployed electric step vans, box trucks, shuttles and school buses for the last 15 years, putting more than 350 vehicles on the road that have collectively driven more than 4 million miles. Today, 10 of the largest 20 medium duty truck fleets in North America have deployed Motiv vehicles, including Purolator, Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services), Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries and other leading brands.

“We love the use cases our customers create for our clean, electric vehicles,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Motiv Electric Trucks. “We’re proud to work with Hudson County Motors and the Township of Woodbridge to help improve the quality of life not just for senior citizens, but for everyone along the route.”

About Hudson County Motors

Established in 1945, Hudson County Motors is a family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing exceptional customer service when it comes to the trucking industry. As a full-service franchised dealer proudly representing Volvo, Western Star, BYD, Autocar and Motiv trucks located in Secaucus, NJ., we remain committed to offering superior quality vehicles while our Sales department strives to provide innovative solutions ideal for any budget. Our Service and Parts teams also boast unbeatable expertise to ensure that our clients have minimal downtime with accessibly priced parts available whenever they need them. With over 70 years of experience under our belts, Hudson County Motors remains committed to superior product offerings, exceptional parts selection and dependable services while providing an unforgettable experience along the way.

About Motiv Electric Trucks

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv is a leading manufacturer of medium-duty, zero-emission electric trucks. Motiv produces a range of vehicles, including step vans, shuttle buses, box trucks, and work trucks bases, all of which eliminate tailpipe CO2 emissions and particulate matter, while offering drivers and passengers a more comfortable, quieter and safer ride.

Motiv’s combination of operational cost savings and environmental performance helps customers meet increasingly stringent emissions and pollution standards as well as achieve their own Net-Zero, ESG or other climate impact-related pledges and commitments. More information about the company’s products, services, and career opportunities is available at www.motivtrucks.com

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Media Contact
John Williams
206.660.5503
john.williams@motivtrucks.com

October 29, 2024

Conscious Consumers and the Case for Sustainable Fleets

While it’s true that regulatory requirements are nudging some of the more reluctant entities in corporate America down the road to sustainability, it is the collective sentiment — and purchasing action — of climate conscious consumers that will continue to fuel and accelerate the demand for sustainable products, services and transportation.

Much has been written about the role of government regulation in driving adoption of electric trucks. Indeed, regulation, combined with financial incentives, has been a critical 1-2 punch in advancing both the demand and supply.

Less talked about, however, is the impact of changing consumer attitudes and actions about corporate sustainability. Indeed, it may soon become the driving force behind greater, and more rapid, adoption of electric trucks.

Climate-conscious Consumers

According to research by the Harvard Business Review in September 2023, sustainability demands are rising among consumers based on three factors:

1) Trust drives behavior and, ultimately, business outcomes;

2) Sustainability promotes trust, particularly among younger generations, and;

3) Younger generations will soon have most of the purchasing power in the U.S.

YouGov data released in May showed 27% of Americans are willing to spend more on sustainable products, while the same dataset showed they generally think industry as a whole is not doing enough to minimize its environmental impact.

It is these attitudes that may be driving the push to electrification of commercial fleets just as policy and government regulations start to have a stronger impact.

The research clearly shows that consumer sentiment is already driving cross-generational demand for sustainable products. Given its potential impact on emissions and pollution, the move toward sustainable logistics through fleet electrification could be the next big thing.

Voting With Dollars

The HBR research concluded that, “When Gen Z and Millennial customers believe a brand cares about its impact on people and the planet, they are 27% more likely to purchase it than older generations are — a clear measure of sustainability’s power to drive buying decisions in this group.”

And this cohort extends its influence outward. A 2022 report produced by First Insight and the Baker Retailing Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania found that the sustainability imperative is being driven by Gen Z consumers, both through their own buying power, and their ability to influence the choices of their Gen X parents and baby boomer grandparents.

Forecast data shows that the younger generations — Gen Z and millennial consumers — will soon wield the most buying power in the U.S. and that Gen Z consumers will eclipse the purchasing power of baby boomers by 2030.

While many strides have been made to make products themselves more sustainable — such as organic fabrics, recycled plastics and renewable energy-based manufacturing — the reality is that these products all have to get to market. And that means transportation, which also means emissions.

A Here-now, Clean Solution

Medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) trucks are the backbone of commercial logistics and the lifeblood of consumer shipping in the U.S. According to a CALSTART white paper released in January 2024, MHD trucks are responsible for 29% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 45% of all nitrogen oxide emissions and 57% of all fine particulate air pollution, despite the fact that they represent only 10% of all vehicles on the road. What’s more, the data shows that because of their proximity to shipping routes, warehouses and ports, our most vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected.

CALSTART notes that these vehicles are a top priority for decarbonizing U.S. transportation and mitigating transportation-related GHG emissions. The good news? “More than 160 models of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) are now available from over 40 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and as of June 2023, more than 17,500 ZETs have been deployed in the United States,” according to CALSTART.

Brands everywhere are taking notice, and companies, including those within the consumer packaged goods industry, are taking steps to curtail their carbon footprints through the electrification of their own fleets, and those of their chosen shipping providers.

In May 2024, John Dean, President for PepsiCo Beverages North America, West Division, said, “Our fleet electrification is an important part of our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy and illustrates how sustainability is a core business strategy at PepsiCo — good for the planet, good for our business, and good for the communities we serve.”

As more consumers take notice, more companies are wearing a commitment to sustainability on their sleeves, including Cintas Corp., which was named to the inaugural USA Today Climate Leader 2023 list. Cintas was cited for a list of initiatives, including the rollout of its first electric fleet of vehicles, in which Motiv was honored to play a part.

“Rallying around our sustainability vision — A Shared Drive for Better — has been important for us and our business,” Cintas President and CEO Todd Schneider said in a company press release. “Our history of identifying opportunities and solutions through our culture of positive discontent has had a major impact on lowering our environmental impact.”

October 28, 2024

Motiv Electric Trucks Names James Griffin Chief Revenue Officer

Deep experience in sales & business development in commercial truck OEM, fleet and logistics solutions and EV fleet charging infrastructure

FOSTER CITY, Calif. (October 28, 2024) — Motiv Electric Trucks, a leading manufacturer of medium duty electric trucks and buses today announced James Griffin as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Griffin has nearly 30 years of experience in sales and business development across a broad range of relevant sectors including commercial trucking, fleet logistics, fleet management and commercial fleet EV charging infrastructure. He will have overall responsibility for accelerating sales of Motiv’s industry-leading electric trucks and buses across North America.

Griffin joins Motiv from his role as Head of Fleet Electrification Sales at ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles. There, he directed the North American fleet electrification growth strategy for National Fleet Sales, National Automotive OEM Partnerships (Dealership Partners), Fleet Partnerships, and Transit and eBus National Sales. He managed a team of nearly 60 and was responsible for sales, delivery, business development, government relations, marketing, pricing, revenue management, training, customer expansion, and retention.

“As our customer base transitions from early testing and pilots to scaling up their use of medium duty clean electric trucks, James has a customer-solution mindset which will be critical in accelerating adoption,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Motiv Electric Trucks. “From selling big rigs at PACCAR, to leading fleet sales and leasing at Ryder and selling charging infrastructure at ChargePoint, James checks all the boxes we are looking for.”

Prior to ChargePoint, Griffin served as Vice President of Business Development at MHC Kenworth, North America's largest privately held heavy-duty dealer group. There, he directed a team of 40 in the national sales and business development organization charged with sales, leasing and rental of heavy and medium duty trucks and truck maintenance programs across multiple industries. He also served as served as National Account Sales Executive at PACCAR where he was named the Number 1 National Account Sales Executive.

During his decade at Ryder Transportation, Griffin held numerous positions in account management, sales and business development. He ended as National Sales Manager for Maintenance/Full-Service Lease where he worked with local, regional, and national sales leadership in the Eastern US to drive sales to leading brands like Wal-Mart, Cardinal Logistics, True Value, Associate Grocers, Dunkin’, Coca-Cola and Firestone.

“Motiv is the most experienced medium duty electric truck OEM and they have earned a reputation for quality and dependability among leading fleets in North America,” said Griffin. “Motiv’s 15 years of technological innovation applied across millions of miles is an amazing foundation from which to build. I’m looking forward to applying all of my experience to a great team and a great product at the right time.”

Griffin takes the wheel from Motiv’s Founder, Jim Castelaz who had been acting in the CRO role and will now return to his longstanding role as Motiv’s Chief Technology Officer.

Today, 10 of the largest 20 medium duty truck fleets in North America have deployed Motiv vehicles, including Purolator, Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services), Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries and other leading brands. Motiv now accounts for 45 percent of electric step vans in California and 19 percent of step van deployments in the U.S. overall. Most importantly, Motiv leads the industry with repeat/follow-on orders; since founding, 64 percent of vehicles have been delivered to repeat customers.

About Motiv Electric Trucks

More information about the company’s products, services, and career opportunities is available at www.motivtrucks.com

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Media Contact
John Williams
206.660.5503
john.williams@motivtrucks.com

October 16, 2024

Motiv Electric Trucks Appoints Desi Ujkashevic to Board of Directors

Apple and Ford Motor Company executive will help Motiv scale commercialization of its electric trucks and buses.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. (October 16, 2024) — Motiv Electric Trucks, a leading manufacturer of medium duty electric trucks and buses today announced the appointment of Desi Ujkashevic to the company’s Board of Directors. Ujkashevic is currently a Senior Director at Apple who previously spent 31 years at Ford Motor Company in advanced technology development and global automotive operations.

“Desi has spent her career applying her deep engineering background to scale innovative automotive technologies profitably, safely and efficiently,” said Matt O’Leary, Executive Chairman of the Board of Motiv Electric Trucks. “Her experience and expertise will be critical to Motiv as we evolve into a full OEM of the most technologically-advanced, reliable and sustainable electric trucks and buses for the largest fleets in North America.”

Ujkashevic joined Apple as a Senior Director in 2022, where she works at the forefront of enabling pioneering technologies and products. Previously, Ujkashevic spent 31 years at Ford Motor Company where she held multiple executive engineering, design and innovation leadership roles.

“It’s clear to me that medium duty trucks and buses represent the quickest path to electrification in the automotive industry,” said Ujkashevic. “But truly scaling an automotive business requires not just a deep understanding of manufacturing, engineering and design, but also an ability to fill gaps in what customers want and the market can provide. I’ve spent my career doing this work and am thrilled to apply it to help Motiv advance sustainability across this critical industry.”

A notable leader in the industry, Ujkashevic has served on the Board of Directors for both ITS America (as part of the Executive Committee) and the Transportation Improvement Association, influencing transportation technology advancements. She holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing and Finance, all from the University of Michigan. Automotive News has twice named her as one of the “Top 100 Leading Women in the Auto Industry.”

“I first got to know Desi at Ford when we were both working on connectivity and autonomy,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Motiv Electric Trucks. “Her deep understanding of the global automotive systems combined with her tech experience will be a huge asset to Motiv as we continue to modernize and decarbonize the traditional trucking industry.”

Motiv has developed, manufactured and deployed electric step vans, box trucks and shuttles to businesses for the last 15 years, putting more than 350 vehicles on the road that have collectively driven more than 4 million miles and delivered more than 250 million pounds of goods. In 2023, the company’s electric trucks collectively achieved a remarkable 98 percent uptime, according to company diagnostic data.

Today, 10 of the largest 20 medium duty truck fleets in North America have deployed Motiv vehicles, including Purolator, Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services), Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries and other leading brands. Further, Motiv now accounts for 45 percent of electric step vans in California and 19 percent of step van deployments in the U.S. overall. Most importantly, Motiv leads the industry with repeat/follow-on orders; since founding, 64 percent of vehicles have been delivered to repeat customers.

About Motiv Electric Trucks

More information about the company’s products, services, and career opportunities is available at www.motivtrucks.com

July 12, 2024

Medium duty trucks: The ‘sweet spot’ for electrification

Look around as you read this article. Almost everything in the room has been on a truck at one time or another.

Indeed, the U.S. trucking industry is responsible for moving nearly three-quarters of all the country’s freight.

Yet while medium- and heavy-duty trucks represent only 10% of vehicles on the road, they are responsible for almost 30% of all transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, 45% of nitrogen oxide emissions, and more than half of fine particulate matter emissions for all vehicles, according to the nonprofit CALSTART.

To put it in perspective, at 450 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, medium- and heavy-duty trucks generate about 3 times the amount of CO2 produced by commercial aviation in the United States, or the amount of emissions generated from the energy use of 59 million homes for one year. With the expanding consumer demand for same-day delivery as well as the post-pandemic travel and hospitality boom, these trucks will log even more miles in the coming years.

Truck emissions affect more than the climate: Increasingly they negatively impact human health. A report from the Environmental Defense Fund found pollution from freight vehicles also disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, as MD pollution is found in higher rates near highways, warehouses and ports, where these communities abound.

Long term exposure to poor air quality causes increased death rates attributed to cardiovascular diseases and has been linked to lung cancer. Children who grow up in areas with high levels of pollution show reduced lung function, increased rates of asthma, and lower IQ levels in their teens.

While there is no quick fix to the problem, there is an option to help alleviate pollution with a simple change: medium-duty truck electrification. Electrifying hundreds of thousands of fleet vehicles will take less time, cost less money and positively impact more people than nearly any other type of climate or pollution mitigation action. The technology is here today and is only getting better and less expensive.

Why medium-duty trucks are well suited for electrification

Much has been written about the significant challenges associated with electrifying Class 7-8 vehicles, including their long-haul, heavy-duty cycle, the high cost of charging infrastructure, and the need for heavy/big batteries with extended charging times, etc.). These factors do not exist in the medium-duty market.

In fact, medium-duty trucks are extremely well suited to electrification. Here’s why:

Shorter Route: Many trips in medium-duty trucks (and buses) are local or short-haul, predictable round trips around town and back to the depot at the end of the shift, making it easy to choose the right electric truck (based on range) for the route. And because the trucks return to base at the end of the day, they can charge overnight efficiently and cost-effectively. Motiv customer data suggests a savings of 50 cents per mile driven after switching to an electric truck.

Battery range: Motiv trucks, equipped with highly efficient LFP batteries, have an approximate range of 150 miles, putting them well within the scope of most middle-mile/medium-duty trucking applications. Indeed, approximately 67-87% of U.S. freight travels in shipments less than 250 miles, according to CALSTART. Motiv’s own data^[1] from step vans shows customers are driving our trucks about 40 miles per day — well within the range of our batteries.

Charging type: Because our powertrain system is 400V, Motiv’s electric trucks are compatible with most public infrastructure and all level 2 and level 3 chargers on the market. Compatibility with level 2 chargers saves fleets on the higher price and installation requirements that come with level 3 charging, as level 2 infrastructure can cost on average one-third to one-fourth of the price of level 3, with oftentimes significantly less lead times and less construction.

Why the market is responding

The twin forces of regulation and innovation are making electrification both inevitable and practicable. With both the carrot (total cost of ownership advantage over gas or diesel, and generous federal and state initiatives) and the stick (increasing regulations) driving demand, costs for the entire electric truck supply chain are coming down while performance, range and charging times are all improving rapidly.

As such, the electrification of the market is accelerating. There are now more than 160 zero-emission truck models available in the United States from more than 40 original equipment manufacturers. The zero-emission, medium-duty truck market has the most options with 73 models available, followed by HD ZETs with 32 models and ZE cargo vans with 23 models.

With these increasingly diverse market offerings, fleets have never had more options capable of meeting their operational needs. This increased competition — along with increasing production volumes and decreasing battery prices — is expected to bring ZET prices down over time, as has been observed in the passenger car market.

Deep experience informs the road ahead

Motiv has developed, manufactured and sold electric step vans, box trucks and shuttles to businesses for the last 15 years, putting more than 300 vehicles on the road. Motiv’s electric fleet has collectively driven 4 million miles and delivered approximately 240 million pounds of goods across the USA and Canada. In 2023, the company’s electric trucks collectively achieved a remarkable 98% uptime, according to Motiv diagnostic data.

Motiv calculates that about half (45%) of the electric step vans in California and nearly one in five (19%) of the electric step vans deployed nationwide carry the Motiv nameplate. Notably, 10 of the largest 20 medium-duty truck fleets in North America have deployed Motiv vehicles, including Purolator, Vestis (formerly Aramark Uniform Services), Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries and other leading brands.

With repeat orders from discerning and demanding fleet owners, Motiv is rapidly becoming recognized for quality, dependability and unparalleled service.

Motiv is in the process of unifying its drivetrain, battery, software, cab and chassis expertise within the Argo platform. The debut of the first electric truck manufactured by Motiv 100% is slated for the 2026 model year.

[1] Sourced from actual Motiv customer step van driving data April/May, 2024

May 23, 2024

Motiv Launches Argo Electric Truck Series

Motiv Electric Trucks has introduced Argo, a groundbreaking cab-chassis design aimed at expanding the versatility and application of electric trucks. As a prominent OEM in the medium-duty electric truck and bus market, Motiv’s launch of Argo marks a significant leap in meeting the growing demand for diverse and sustainable fleet solutions.

May 22, 2024

The Motiv Argo is a new modular medium-duty electric truck

Motiv has made electric powertrains for medium-duty vehicles since 2009.

Motiv has been around since 2009 and has been selling electric powertrains for school buses, step vans, box trucks, and even trolleys. Now it's branching out with its own vehicle, the modular Argo, which is capable of carrying up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) with a range of up to 200 miles (321 km).

May 21, 2024

Motiv Electric Trucks Launches Argo – A New Truck Configurable for Multiple Applications

Motiv’s first fully integrated cab-chassis design expands the number and variety of electric trucks and applications that can be produced to meet growing customer demand

LAS VEGAS, Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, May 21, 2024 — Motiv Electric Trucks, a leading OEM of medium duty electric trucks and buses today launched Argo, its first-ever fully-integrated cab-chassis design that significantly expands the number and type of vehicles and applications that can be electrified.

Available in multiple configurations, Argo supports dock-height to lower-profile applications and a wider range of truck body lengths for work site vehicles (short dump trucks and aerial lifts), walk-through delivery trucks (step vans), dry freight or refrigerated trucks up to 30 feet long, and buses.

“Overnight we’ve moved from a company primarily serving a narrow slice of the $20 billion medium duty truck market to one that can serve nearly that entire market,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Motiv Electric Trucks. “The launch of Argo is a transformational moment for our company as we can now offer more vehicles and options to help more fleet customers meet their sustainability goals.”

Argo’s intentional design incorporated learnings from Motiv's 15 years and 4 million miles of vehicles on the road and was informed by substantial customer participation and feedback. The result is a new truck that is energy efficient, safer for pedestrians and drivers and offers the highest payload of any medium-duty electric vehicle.

Among the many benefits of the Argo series are:

Heavier payloads, farther: Argo trucks haul up to 14,000 pounds of payload and can drive up to 200 miles. The cab’s lightweight composite structure coupled with the Aries LFP battery that was co-developed with Our Next Energy, provides fleets with industry-leading range and payload, all without requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Safety for everyone: Argo’s safety-focused design begins with an emphasis on visibility. Forward command seating, low beltlines, larger windshield and a low curbside window provide drivers more direct views of their surroundings to keep pedestrians safe. Front and rear camera and optional e-mirrors offer additional visibility enhancements.

Argo’s design also prioritizes driver safety. Curbside, forward-facing entry and exit with two full-length safety railings and full-size, high-friction, self-cleaning interior steps help mitigate the most commonly-occurring operator injuries.

A truck that drivers love: Designed for operator heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’3”, Argo was built to maximize accessibility and thus expand the pool of potential drivers. A heated captain seat with adjustable lumbar support and armrests enables better driving posture, allowing for improved vehicle control while reducing fatigue. Intuitive navigation, climate control, cup holder and device charger ports are within an arm’s reach for everyone, minimizing distractions. The 6’3” interior allows drivers to step in, stand up and stretch, and offers ample storage space and room for one or two optional jump seats.
Superior uptime and durability: The Argo platform provides superior durability and uptime at a fraction of the weight of other electric medium duty trucks. Built in partnership with TPI Composites, the Argo cab uses advanced structural composite materials and processes that provide dramatically higher corrosion and impact resistance as well as better repairability and stronger structural integrity. As a result, the cab gets damaged less frequently and can be repaired faster. Motiv’s robust Gen 6 technology featuring the Motiv Smart Hub improves reliability by reducing cables and replacing wires with circuit boards. The Argo has superior service access from within the cab to expedite maintenance, empowering fleets to spend more time on route.
Energy optimized: Energy optimization is everywhere in the Argo cab’s composite structure, which provides superior insulation versus metal cabs. Other energy-saving features include built-in microwire heat on the windshield to save on defrosting energy and seats heated and cooled with specially-designed airflow.
Compatible with 14-foot to 30-foot truck bodies. The Argo comes in wheelbases ranging from 178-inch to 252-inch. Available in a dock-height configuration with standard 295/75R22.5 tires or a lower-profile height with 245/70R19.5 tires, Argo works in almost any medium duty application.
Diesel-equivalent torque: Argo's patented motor and controller, co-developed with Nidec, offers torque comparable to a Class 8 diesel and motor performance comparable to an 800V system, all using a 400V system that is compatible with all DC fast chargers.

Motiv has developed, manufactured and deployed electric step vans, box trucks and shuttles to businesses for the last 15 years, putting more than 300 vehicles on the road that have collectively driven 4 million miles and delivered approximately 240 million pounds of goods. In 2023, the company’s electric trucks collectively achieved a remarkable 98 percent uptime, according to company diagnostic data.

“We’ve come a long way from the early days of the electric truck industry – every year we see substantial improvements in uptime and performance coming from design improvements we’ve developed hand-in-hand with customers,” said Jim Castelaz, Motiv’s Founder and Chief Technology and Revenue Officer. “Many fleet customers have been impressed with the simple design of our new Gen 6 architecture, which includes less copper, better cable routing, easier service access, our patented smart hub and reliable software. This apparent simplicity took years for us to optimize and now our customers can finally reap the benefits.”

The Argo Series of vehicles are Made in the USA, Buy America-compliant and are eligible for tax credits and a variety of incentive programs. Available for order beginning today, more information on Argo trucks can be found at motivtrucks.com.

About Motiv Electric Trucks

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv is a leading manufacturer of medium-duty, zero-emission electric trucks. Motiv produces a range of vehicles, including step vans, shuttle buses, box trucks, and work trucks basis, all of which eliminate tailpipe CO2 emissions and particulate matter, while offering drivers and passengers a more comfortable, quieter and safer ride.

More information about the company’s products, services, and career opportunities is available at motivtrucks.com.

May 21, 2024

Motiv Launches New Truck Configurable for Multiple Applications

Motiv Electric Trucks launched Argo, its first-ever fully-integrated cab-chassis design that significantly expands the number and type of vehicles and applications that can be electrified. Motiv first revealed Argo in August 2023; today, the trucks are built, in production and open for orders.

May 21, 2024

Motiv launches new Argo electric truck

Motiv has introduced its new Argo electric cab-chassis design, which it says will expand the number of applications it suits.

The new model will support a wider variety of vehicle heights for dock-height or lower-profile applications and a wider range of body lengths. Applications include work site vehicles (short dump trucks and aerial lifts), walk-through delivery trucks, and 30-ft. dry freight or refrigerated trucks.