Motiv Power Systems plans to launch electric chassis cab

Motiv Power Systems, a Foster City, Calif., company that installs electric powertrains in commercial vehicles, plans to launch a medium-duty chassis with a cab that is designed to save energy.

Called the Argo, Motiv said the vehicle can be used to underpin class 4 through 6 box trucks, step vans, shuttle buses, refrigerated and other commercial vehicles.

Motiv said the Argo should have a driving range between 150 and 200 miles from its lithium iron phosphate batteries. The cab has been designed from the start to be used with an electric powertrain and contains electrically heated windshields, heated seats and composites designed to improve thermal performance. The energy efficient cab not only adds to driver comfort but also helps extend the driving range, Motiv said.

Motiv will provide the chassis, cab and powertrain; upfitters will add whatever body the fleet body requires.

The Argo will compete in a red-hot segment that is being stoked by Inflation Reduction Act incentives made available to commercial companies that switch from combustion-engine fleets to electric.