Freightliner Introduces Industry’s Only All-Electric Walk-In Van

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) continues its legacy of engineering alternative-power products for the commercial vehicle industry with the introduction of its highly anticipated plug-in, all-electric, walk-in van chassis at the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Work Truck Show. The new chassis model is the only one domestically engineered and the first in the industry to be completely all-electric (and includes an HVAC system) in North America.

“In partnership with Enova, we have developed an all electric chassis to meet the environmental, economic and performance needs of our commercial vehicle customers,” says Bob Harbin, FCCC president. “Our vision is clearly focused on transitioning the all-electric chassis into the mainstream of our walk-in van production programs. This new program demonstrates that FCCC remains fully committed to engineering chassis options that lower operating costs and decrease carbon footprints for our customers.”

The new all-electric chassis enables fleet operators to virtually eliminate harmful emissions and cut operating and maintenance costs while delivering the performance and driver comfort features FCCC customers have come to expect. On select delivery and service routes, studies show that customers will save up to $15,000 per vehicle annually, compared with traditionally powered walk-in vans. The all-electric MT-45 chassis is expected to go into full production during the first quarter of 2011 and will undergo testing with major U.S. pickup and delivery fleets.