SEA Electric showcased it latest developments on a Class 6 SV6 EV stripped chassis at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, held at Long Beach, California, from May 9-12, 2022, the largest clean fleet event of its type.
Founded in Australia in 2012, SEA Electric created electric power-system technology—aka SEA-Drive—as a vehicle solution provider for the world’s urban delivery and distribution fleets, as well as front powered school bus applications.
It states that its SEA-Drive power-system leads the industry in terms of range, driving performance, weight and environmental credentials, with zero local emissions of carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide.
With its medium-voltage architecture and no requirement for active thermal management of batteries, SEA Electric calls its solution the lightest, most cost-effective and most efficient system available in the battery-electric last-mile delivery segment.
“Major fleets across the country that utilize a step van platform understand that zero-emissions power-systems are now proven and the way forward,” stated Tony Fairweather, founder and Chief Executive Officer of SEA Electric.
He said: “With the SEA SV6 EV, we bring to the market a complete package that offers all of the functionality required from these vehicles, complete with a proven, reliable all-electric architecture that leads the industry.”
Fairweather offered that one of the more exciting things about the world shifting to electric vehicles, is the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capabilities of the system, which he explained would form the basis of the future energy ecosystem.
“With only 100,000 SV6 EVs on the road, it would represent the equivalent of the entire battery storage capacity that is currently available across the US,” he continued. “The switch to zero emissions deliveries has environmental advantages, but importantly, provides mobile battery storage and paves the way to improved power grid security.”
Powered by the SEA-Drive 120b power-system, the SV6 EV covers applications with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) up to 22,000lbs (Class 6), with its 335hp and 2,580lb-ft performance ratings ideal for any urban driving situation.
It utilizes a 138kWh battery pack for the platform, delivering a class-leading unladen range of up to 170 miles, while also capable of being configured for fast charging at up to 80kW.
The SV6 EV platform is packed with specialist innovations unique to the segment.
From all-encompassing telematics, including a smartphone app, back-end portal and integrated digital instrument cluster from Valid, to EV-specific tires with a low rolling resistance, and an angular sensor on the electric power steering system, which actively conserves power, the advancements are numerous.
The package will have the standard inclusions and optional extras comparable with any similar vehicle currently available, including driver comfort and safety items, which can be incorporated into popular body types, with various width and wheelbase options available. Examples include: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems; Automatic Emergency Braking; Distance Alert/Distance Indication; Post-Collision Braking; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure Warning; Driver Alert System and; Auto-High Beam Control.
For delivery drivers, the SV6 EV provides a comfortable work environment, with health and safety considerations including no noise, fumes, heat, or vibrations, while fleets can rest assured with its class-leading warranty--with extended warranties also available.
Durability testing for the package is set to commence in Q3 2022, with volume assembly to begin in Q1 2023, with conditional orders currently being taken.
Further announcements regarding Class 3 to 5 SEA SV stripped chassis models will be made in due course.
Although founded in Australia, SEA Electric maintains its headquarters in Torrance, California, with its global engineering center in Grimes, Iowa. Its electric commercial vehicles can be found in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Africa with over 1-million miles of independently OEM (original equipment manufacturer)-tested and in-service international operation.
For more information on SEA Electric, visit https://www.sea-electric.com.