Freightliner to Produce Proterra-Powered All-Electric Truck Chassis

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Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  February 27, 2020

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation has announced it is partnering with Proterra to develop an “enhanced, production-ready version” of its all-electric MT50e truck chassis for .

FCCC said the MT50e will use a Proterra high-performance battery system. Factory-installed, the fully integrated electric power system provides 226 kWh of energy capacity in all-electric, zero-emission drive package.

Built on FCCC’s existing MT platform, the all-electric MT50e will offer GVW ratings from 16,000 to 23,000 pounds, with no reduction in cargo volume capacity.

The vehicle is designed to deliver over 125 miles of driving range and can fully charge in about three hours with DC fast-charging, said FCCC.

“The new MT50e blends the efficiency and performance of an electric vehicle with the undisputed strength and ruggedness that’s made FCCC the most reliable chassis on the market,” said Jeff Sather, president and CEO of FCCC. He added that the MT50e will “propel both us and our customers into an era of zero emissions for last-mile delivery vehicles.”

“Fleet operators are looking to electrify delivery trucks today and there is growing industry interest in a high-performance electric chassis with an energy-dense battery system,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple. “The MT50e offers fleet operators a leading vehicle platform they’re familiar with, combined with proven electric vehicle technology and expertise from Proterra.”

First shown as a prototype at the 2019 NTEA Work Truck Show, the MT50e is the first of several commercial electric vehicles that FCCC is planning to develop for use in various applications.

A production-ready version of the MT50e chassis will be on display at this year’s NTEA Work Truck Show, running from March 4 to 6 in Indianapolis, at Booth #4447.

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