Two companies—Optimal EV and Fontaine Modification Work Truck & EV Solutions—have announced the debut of a repower solution that converts conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks and buses to zero-emissions electric power.
The Optimal EV E1-R solution is built on the commonized Optimal Platform Technology. It is based on the successful Ford E-450 cutaway chassis. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Optimal EV has nearly four decades of North American automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engineering prowess and seven years of EV-specific development experience.
Partner Fontaine will integrate the E1-R into a diverse range of commercial vehicle applications, that will include school buses, shuttle buses, delivery vans, and specialty vehicles at its network of post-production truck modification centers.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and established in 1985, Fontaine Modification is a comprehensive, engineering-focused provider of post-production services for truck manufacturers, dealers, and fleets.
“We are excited to offer our customers another option allowing them to participate in the clean tech revolution that’s underway,” exclaimed Jason Hughes, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Optimal EV. “In fact, repowering existing vehicles is even a greener solution than first-sale examples, as the carbon emitted in the vehicle’s manufacturing process has already been accounted for. Repower also immediately offsets previously invested sunk costs. Add to that the fact that we are working with a world-class integrator like Fontaine, and it’s really a 360-degree win.”
Combining Optimal EV’s OEM-level engineering with Fontaine Modification’s engineering, manufacturing, and system integration experience has resulted in a repower solution and conversion process that will help accelerate electric fleet conversions.
The repowered vehicles will provide many commercial vehicle applications, including school buses, shuttle buses, delivery vehicles, and specialty vehicles, with industry-leading zero-emissions performance, safety, and durability.
“The Optimal EV system design is simple and clean which allows for a robust and efficient integration,” stated David Brosky, Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Fontaine Modification. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the Optimal team to bring this repower solution to market.”
The first range of repower solutions is for the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis, which is widely modified by upfitters throughout North America. With the new E1-R, upfitters looking for new vehicles are getting a product they’ve already designed and planned for, but with an electric powertrain. Plus, customers looking to repurpose existing vehicles have a new zero-emissions option.
From a sustainability perspective, repowering not only takes inefficient ICE (internal combustion engines) vehicles off the road, but also opens up a range of electric-drive solutions and options for truck upfitters and their customers, resulting in higher rates of EV adoption, fewer emissions, and better performing vehicles.
Features of the E1-R:
The E1-R powertrain will be available on the 2018 to 2023 model year Ford E-450 cutaway chassis.
The powertrain boasts industry-leading performance, with 280kW/1700Nm (375hp/1254lb-ft) on tap, OEM E-450 equivalent 30 percent gradeability, and 125+ miles (201km) of range.
The system features Proterra 113kW batteries and all power electronics and high voltage cables protected inside the vehicle’s frame rails.
Each conversion starts with a detailed vehicle inspection. The repowered vehicles are equipped with a new powertrain and user interface, with refreshed components where required.
The resulting repowered vehicle re-enters its fleet with the performance and longevity of a brand-new vehicle and the zero-emissions EV capability engineered by Optimal EV.
For information on the two companies, visit: www.optimal-ev.com, and www.fontainemodification.com.