EV truck startup Zeus signs deal with manufacturing and engineering firm

Zeus Electric Chassis Inc., a Minnesota startup trying to break into the commercial fleet business with a battery powered chassis cab, will lean on a contract manufacturer for its class 5 truck.

The company announced Monday that it will partner with Edison Manufacturing and Engineering, Inc. of Port Huron, Mich. for production of its truck, which will be powered by an 800-volt system and an electric motor driving the rear wheels.

Zeus expects to deliver its first vehicles to a California utility next year. That's at least a year behind schedule, however.

Zeus engineers redesigned many parts of the truck to ensure it will be competitive with other electric chassis cabs coming from Shyft Group, Bollinger and other manufacturers.