Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) and Morgan Olson
LLC today launched the next generation vehicle with new exterior
and interior body styling for its successful all-electric walk-in
van (WIV). The MT-EV WIV boasts a lightweight, aerodynamic design
for improved efficiency. Conceived and developed with a
contemporary fresh automotive approach, the vehicle maintains the
hardworking heritage customers expect while ultimately contributing
to the bottom line.
FCCC first introduced its plug-in, all-electric WIV chassis, the
only one domestically engineered and the first in the industry to
be completely all electric in North America, earlier this year.
Following that launch and continuing in its legacy of designing
alternative fuel products, FCCC partnered with Morgan Olson to
develop a ground-breaking body style to provide further benefits to
the delivery van owner, as well as the driver.
Introduced at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF), the new MT-EV
was engineered with the fleet owner and driver in mind. Built of
lightweight, durable composites that are completely recyclable, the
interior of the cab features an automotive-style interior,
maximizing 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,” said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing
for FCCC. “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.”
Reliable, Durable Work Tool
The MT-EV chassis boasts a GVWR of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. The
durable steel straight-rail chassis frame reduces flex and bowing
to minimize stress while carrying heavy payloads. The quiet
operation of the all-electric MT-EV also makes for an enjoyable
driver experience. 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.
“By partnering with Morgan Olson, we have effectively developed
the MT-EV WIV to meet performance, as well as environmental needs
of our delivery vehicle customers,” Randall said.
“The vehicle development process with Freightliner Custom
Chassis has been fantastic,” said Steve Miller, vice president of
sales and marketing for Morgan Olson. “Both companies started with
a clean sheet of paper and very strong ideas about the statement
the new WIV should make. In addition to building a highly efficient
delivery van with a distinctive new look, we have designed a
vehicle that makes a powerful environmental statement. It allows
our customers to show their commitment to the environment while
maximizing driver productivity.”
The MT-EV WIV has a one-piece bonded windshield allowing for
outstanding 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 constantly 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. Rather than relying on predetermined maintenance
schedules, the incorporation of prognostic information provides the
driver critical up-to-the-minute maintenance information, such as
the life of the engine, transmission, oil and filters. This enables
the driver to respond accordingly while increasing efficiency.
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.
Created for Zero Tailpipe Emissions
The MT-EV all-electric chassis utilizes Enova Systems’ 120kW
all-electric drive system technology. Enova Systems, Inc (NYSE
AMEX: ENA) (AIM: ENV) (AIM: ENVS) is a leading developer and
producer of electric and hybrid-electric drive system technologies
for commercial vehicle OEMs. Powered by Tesla Motors’ lithium-ion
batteries, the chassis is 100 percent electric, including its HVAC
system, making it the only fully featured WIV chassis in the
industry to be completely electrically powered. FCCC is the first
company within the industry to utilize Tesla batteries for
commercial applications.
“We are pleased with the continued progress of our work with
FCCC,” said Enova CEO and President Mike Staran. “Our partnership
further demonstrates that the appetite for these products is
growing. Enova has continued to aggressively pursue new
technologies, partnerships and opportunities to expand the clean
vehicle market. Our strategies are generating reliable sales
growth, strong market position and continued demand for our
technology.”
The all-electric drive system features battery packs that
provide up to a 100-mile driving range on a single charge, making
it ideal for pickup and delivery applications. 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. The regenerative braking system reduces friction during
braking, resulting in less brake wear and extended brake life. The
regenerative braking system saves energy by recycling and storing
it, which can then be reused to propel the vehicle instead of
losing it to heat, as is the case with traditional brakes.
Legacy of Engineering Alternative-Fuel Technologies
FCCC and its parent company, Daimler Trucks North America LLC
(DTNA), maintain a legacy of providing innovative technologies that
benefit customers and the environment. FCCC’s commitment to green
technologies is in line with Daimler AG’s global initiative called,
“Shaping Future Transportation.” Launched in Stuttgart, Germany, by
Daimler in 2007, the initiative is focused on reducing category
emissions pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption.
In August 2008, Daimler announced the opening of the Global
Hybrid Center at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in
Kawasaki, Japan. The center is the worldwide hub for Daimler’s
hybrid development.
Along with the all-electric chassis, FCCC has extensive
experience manufacturing compressed natural gas (CNG) WIV chassis,
currently manufactures 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. These
alternative-power vehicles have proven to offer significant fuel
savings benefits.
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.
The HTUF conference takes place Sept. 28-30, in Dearborn, Mich.
HTUF is the nation’s leading program driving production and use of
medium and heavy-duty hybrid and high-efficiency trucks and buses.
It was founded by CALSTART and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive
Research, Development and Engineering Center’s National Automotive
Center (NAC). www.htuf.org
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium
chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and
shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a
subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler
company.
On the Internet:
Visit the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation website at
www.freightlinerchassis.com for additional FCCC news and product
information.
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