The MT-EV all-electric chassis utilizes Enova Systems’ 120kW all-electric drive system technology. Powered by Tesla Motors’ lithium-ion batteries, the chassis is 100% electric, including the HVAC system. FCCC is the first company within the industry to utilize Tesla batteries for commercial applications.

The battery pack provides up to a 100-mile (161 km) driving range on a single charge. The battery pack will charge from fully depleted to fully charged in six to eight hours. In addition, the vehicle charging system is incorporated into the overall operating system so no exterior devices are required to charge the truck.

The batteries featured on the electric system also capture and store energy during the regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation.

Built of lightweight, durable composites that are completely recyclable, the interior of the cab features an automotive-style interior intended to maximize driver comfort and productivity.

The partnership to develop the MT-EV WIV new body styling with Morgan Olson was a natural progression for the all-electric vehicle. The new design was engineered to allow for improved aerodynamics without giving up the functionality of the vehicle. The MT-EV remains a rugged, productive work tool that also maintains maximum cargo capacity.

—Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC

The MT-EV chassis offers a GVWR of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs (6,350 to 8,845 kg). The durable steel straight-rail chassis frame reduces flex and bowing to minimize stress while carrying heavy payloads. The MT-EV has a flat-leaf spring front and rear suspension, allowing for a smooth, solid ride that minimizes cargo shifts on uneven road surfaces.

The MT-EV WIV has a one-piece bonded windshield allowing for high visibility. Taking into account wind flow over the hood and cab, the headlamps and mirrors of the body were designed to be aerodynamic, further improving upon the vehicle’s efficiency.

The instrumentation panel within the cab incorporates automotive styling and adds additional features that monitor the EV operating system to provide the driver information, such as the battery state of charge data. Also, the vehicle performance gauge is included to assist the driver in the operation of the vehicle.

The full-feature gauge and informational display includes a larger messaging center display area, prognostic information and is completely sealed, fully protecting it from dust and water projected from backsplash. The larger messaging center display area enables easier reading of fault codes and maintenance notifications.

The all-electric chassis is specifically designed for the urban delivery vehicle market in which it can provide the greatest operating and environmental benefit. Additionally, the MT EV chassis provides additional safety to drivers, such as a curb-side exit, walk-through cargo area and direct access to the cargo area from the driver’s station.

The all-electric chassis also was initiated before stimulus money and federal grants were available for alternative-fuel transportation projects.

Along with the all-electric chassis, FCCC manufactures the compressed natural gas (CNG) WIV chassis, hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) chassis, and will offer full production of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle (HHV) chassis in Q1 2011 for the walk-in van market segment.

FCCC also designs and manufactures alternative-fuel chassis for the commercial bus and motorhome market segments. In 2008, FCCC introduced ecoFRED, the motorhome industry’s first hybrid-electric chassis, and the FCCC MB-HEV hybrid-electric commercial bus chassis in response to a growing customer demand for alternative-fuel power that provides the same excellent performance and durability as FCCC’s premium diesel-powered chassis. At the 2009 NTEA Work Truck Show, FCCC introduced its HHV chassis to the commercial vehicle industry.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.