Motiv Power Systems said that its new Argo Series electric truck will debut in 2024.
The Argo will have the first medium-duty EV cab designed from the ground up. The company also added that customer-driven miles and fleet owner feedback will be crucial in finalizing the truck’s design, so what we see in the image above may not be what will hit the road as a final product.
Motiv said that 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.
Medium-Duty Applications Across Classes 4-6
The Argo Series will support all medium-duty applications across Class 4-6, according to Motiv, which will include box trucks, step vans, shuttle buses, refrigerated vehicles, vocational vehicles, and other specialty vehicles.
The Argo is built atop Motiv’s next-generation, high-torque powertrain, which it said will be able to provide up to 200 miles of range on an LPF (low-pass filter) battery charge.
The new Argo vehicles will feature a futuristic cab that was designed from the outset specifically for 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," explained Tim Krauskopf, the Chief Executive Officer of Motiv. "Argo combines our proven powertrain technology with a new driver-centric cab to deliver an unparalleled EV experience.
He continued: "In California, for example, the Advanced Clean Fleet Rule is set to go into effect on January 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 mean 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 and 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 the 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 US and are eligible for the IRA tax credit as well as select incentive programs.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area of California, Motiv delivers medium-duty, two- to six-ton payload commercial battery-electric trucks and buses, along with charging infrastructure and guidance for deploying commercial fleets.
The company specializes in step vans, shuttle buses, and box trucks and is a leading provider of daily-use zero-emission vehicles for moving people and moving goods.
Company information is available at www.motivps.com.