FCCC Launches All-Electric Walk-In Van Chassis

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp (FCCC) has launched all-electric walk-in van (WIV) chassis, which is developed in partnership with Enova Systems, a developer and producer of electric and hybrid-electric drive system technologies, and is built on the FCCC MT-45 WIV chassis platform.

The company claims that the new all-electric chassis enables fleet operators to eliminate harmful emissions and cut operating and maintenance costs while delivering the performance and driver comfort.

According to FCCC, the new chassis features a flat-leaf spring front and rear suspension that enables smooth, solid ride and battery packs that provides an up to 100-mile driving range on a single charge.

In addition, the company also designs and manufactures alternative-fuel chassis for the commercial bus and motorhome market segments.

Bob Harbin, president of FCCC, said: In partnership with Enova we have developed an all-electric chassis to meet the environmental, economic and performance needs of our commercial vehicle customers.

Unlike competitive models, our all-electric chassis is custom-built from the ground up for the walk-in van market, integrating the proven ergonomic advantages of WIV bodies. Competitor chassis are a cab chassis configuration and end up as box trucks typically built for the trucking industry.

Mike Staran, president and CEO of Enova Systems, said: Collaborating with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp has enabled us to achieve our shared goal of introducing all-electric drive technology into the walk-in van market.

“The FCCC-Enova partnership is accelerating the broad deployment of EV technology in this critical vehicle segment while improving the environment and helping to reduce US dependence on imported energy.

All-electric MT-45 chassis is expected to go into full production during the first quarter of 2011 and will undergo testing with major US pickup and delivery fleets.