Motiv Power Systems announced that it will launch its new Argo Series electric truck next year. Motiv said the Argo will feature the first medium-duty EV cab designed from the ground up. The electric truck OEM added that customer-driven miles and fleet owner feedback will be crucial in finalizing the truck’s design.

The launch of Argo is a strategic step aimed at tripling the company’s market size and equipping it to help even more companies scale their electric fleets, the OEM said.

Medium-Duty Applications Across Classes 4-6

The Argo Series is designed to support all medium-duty applications across Class 4-6, Motiv said. This includes box trucks, step vans, shuttle buses, refrigerated vehicles, vocational vehicles, and other specialty vehicles. The Argo is built on top of Motiv’s next-generation, high-torque powertrain and the company said it will have between 150-200 miles of range on an LPF battery charge.

The new Argo vehicles will feature a futuristic cab that was designed from the ground as an electric vehicle. Motiv said this design feature will distinguish the truck from traditional internal combustion trucks while maintaining the utility of the vehicle.

“The market is demanding a proven solution that enables companies to confidently scale their EV vehicle fleets,” said Tim Krauskopf, CEO of Motiv Power Systems. “Argo combines our proven powertrain technology with a new driver-centric cab to deliver an unparalleled EV experience. In California for example, the Advanced Clean Fleet Rule is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and the state needs roughly 20,000 new zero-emission medium-duty EVs on the road by the end of 2024. The Argo Series will help meet the growing demand of many companies waiting for an EV solution capable of supporting a wide range of applications.”

Key design features on the Argo will include:

• Energy Efficiency:  Energy optimization is built into every aspect of the Argo cab’s composite structure, according to Motiv. This includes windshields with built-in heat to save on defrosting energy, seats heated with specially-designed airflow, and a shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab distance to create more maneuverable trucks. The weight savings of composites means more payload, offsetting incremental battery weight.

• Command Seating Position for Driver Comfort: The Argo cab features a command seating position to relieve driver fatigue and decrease work compensation-related injuries. This seat also provides superior visibility and ergonomics compared to conventional cabs, includes sightlines at the four points of the vehicle, incorporates lower belt lines for better visibility, and features door access with full size interior steps, Motiv said.

• Safety: The Argo Series leverages both active and passive safety features. Motiv said the truck will feature best-in-class visibility and ingress/egress for the driver, reinforcing safety at every turn.

• Superior Thermal Performance: Built from structural composites, the Argo cab delivers what Motiv calls excellent heating and cooling for occupants. Motiv said that using less battery energy to keep the driver comfortable translates to more energy available for driving range. The advanced thermal performance also lends itself to less road noise, ultimately reducing driver fatigue according to the company.

“After years of helping fleets put EVs on the roads, Motiv has the right combination of daily route experience and expertise to design and build its own cab — the next step toward becoming a full-featured original equipment manufacturer,” added Jim Castelaz, Motiv’s founder and chief technical officer. “Many have joined the commercial EV space by jumping in headfirst and starting with ultra-modern, flashy designs that don’t always offer practical driving experiences. Motiv, on the other hand, has carefully applied insights gathered over the last decade to create Argo, a truck that marries the reliability and work focus of Motor City with Silicon Valley innovation.”

The Argo Series vehicles are currently available for pre-order and will be on the road in late 2024. Argo vehicles will be manufactured in the U.S. and are eligible for the IRA tax credit and as well as select incentives programs.