FCCC unveils all-electric chassis and body package

Sept. 30, 2010
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. has introduced an all-electric walk-in van (WIV) chassis with restyled body from Morgan Olson

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. has introduced an all-electric walk-in van (WIV) chassis with restyled body from Morgan Olson.

First introduced earlier this year, FCCC’s MT-EV WIV is both lightweight and aerodynamic, the company said. FCCC worked with Morgan Olson to create new exterior and interior body styling for the all-electric van to further increase its value to delivery van owners.

The new package was introduced this week at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF). The interior of the cab features an automotive-style interior, maximizing driver comfort and productivity, the companies said.

“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 & 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.”

The van has a GVWR of 14,000 to 19,500 lbs. Made of durable steel, the straight-rail chassis frame reduces flex and bowing to minimize stress. There is a flat-leaf spring front and rear suspension for a smoother ride over uneven road surfaces.

“The vehicle development process with Freightliner Custom Chassis has been fantastic,” said Steve Miller, vp 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.”

There is a one-piece bonded windshield for additional visibility. The instrumentation panel adds additional features that constantly monitor the EV operating system to provide the driver information, such as battery state of charge data. The full-feature gauge and informational display includes a larger messaging center display area which enables easier reading of fault codes and maintenance notifications.

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, FCCC said.

Enova Systems’ 120kW all-electric drive system technology powered by Tesla Motors’ lithium-ion batteries generate enough electricity for a 100-mi. driving range on a single charge. The battery pack will charge from fully depleted to fully charged in six to eight hours.

FCCC also introduced the new S2 cutaway chassis for the commercial bus market during BusCon 2010 in Chicago. The S2 cutaway is built upon the company’s S2 bus chassis rather than a traditional truck chassis.

The S2 cutaway features a 55-deg. wheel cut. The front-engine diesel features a sloped hood and includes a dependable Freightliner M2 cab bus body built on a lightweight aluminum frame.

There is also a new XB-P chassis in FCCC’s commercial bus lineup. The XB-P is a 45-ft. chassis with a 16,000-lb. ZF independent front suspension (IFS) and a Neway ADL series rear air-ride suspension.

The chassis is equipped with a Cummins ISM 450 hp. diesel and Allison B500 6-spd. transmission and has a GVWR of 49,000 lbs.

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