SEA Electric and MEVCO sign MoU to electrify 8,500 Toyota models
SEA Electric and Mevco have signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint manufacture of 8,500 electrified Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser models for global mining operations.
A Toyota Hilux pickup, electrified by SEA Electric. Image: SEA Electric
SEA Electric has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MEVCO, a leading systems integrator providing end-to-end service including electric light commercial vehicles and associated infrastructure within the mining industry.
8,500 electrified Toyota Hilux and Landcrusier models will be manufactured for the mining industry, with MEVCO committing to a five year deal with SEA Electric, in a deal worth close to AU$1 billion.
Mining companies have long seen the benefits of battery electric vehicles; predominantly in the form of vastly lower operating costs and increased reliability. Many new mines are also adding renewable energy, like this 34MW solar farm designed to reduce Rio Tinto’s costs - and in a small part - its emissions.
The deal is based around SEA’s medium-voltage SEA-Drive power system, which is light, cost-effective and simple, thanks to its lack of a requirement for an active thermal management system.
Available in various mining-specific designs for 4×4 and 4×2 configurations, the vehicles can be specified with two SEA-Drive options - an 88kWh battery with a quoted 380km (236mi) of range, or a 60kWh battery delivering up to 260km (160mi) of range. The system offers fast DC charging, topping up the battery from 10-80% in less an 60 minutes.
SEA Electric’s Toyota Hilux specifications. Screenshot - mevco.com
According to MEVCO CEO Matt Cahir, “This is a pivotal partnership for the mining industry…It enables the world’s leading EV technology for heavy and light commercial trucks to be commercialized on a scale that makes sense for the bespoke needs of the mining sector. SEA Electric’s unique architecture is perfectly suited for the task, with the system’s high-torque characteristics ideally fit for purpose.”
This announcement represents a big step forward for SEA’s expansion into the commercial vehicle segment, and it will hopefully demonstrate the company has the ability to be a world leader in electrified vehicle platforms.
There’s a certain irony that a company like Toyota - well known for being a BEV laggard - is being dragged into zero-emissions vehicles by a third party manufacturer, but it speaks to the ruggedness and suitability of its vehicles for industrial applications; if only it and other Japanese manufacturers would take full-fleet electrification seriously.
Ford confirms E-Transit Custom electric van for Australian market - expected in 2024
Ford’s E-Transit Custom will follow the market introduction of the larger E-Transit, and is set to enter production in the Blue Oval’s Otosan Turkey factory late in 2023.
The new E-Transit Custom is part of a range of electric vehicles in development by Ford. Images: Ford Australia
Arguably one of Ford’s most important vehicles — the Transit van — has been electrified, and is set for Australian launch this year. Today, Ford Australia confirmed a smaller sibling known as the E-Transit Custom it is set for series production in the second half of 2023, ahead of what we expect will be a 2024 local market introduction.
Ford Australia is planning to offer five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024, though this includes plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as battery electric vehicles. The E-Transit Custom will join the Australian line-up alongside the Escape plug-in hybrid, due in showrooms in June, and the aforementioned E-Transit.
While we don’t have full technical details for the E-Transit Custom yet, Ford states that “The E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in the one-tonne van segment and help businesses to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles.” The larger E-Transit features a 68kWh battery that mated to a single electric motor making 198kW and 420Nm, delivering just over 300km of WLTP range.
We can expect Ford to be targeting Australian small business and tradesmen or “tradies”, who would benefit from low running costs, high load capacity, and the benefits of being able to use the vehicle as a power source for tools and equipment. Ford says the E-Transit Custom will offer “compelling range”, full towing capability and DC fast charging.
“The E-Transit Custom is exactly the kind of versatile, practical van business customers are looking for, with the benefit of zero-emissions efficiency,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “We are focused on deeply understanding the needs of commercial vehicle customers and bringing them the best of our global line-up.”
The E-Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan — the blue oval’s Turkish joint venture — as part of Ford Otosan’s €2 billion investment in its electrified model line-up manufacturing facilities.
We’ll update this article when Ford announces more information.
Australian commercial EV manufacturer SEA Electric completes US$42 Million equity financing
This week, SEA Electric announced it has closed initial private placement equity financing for total gross proceeds of approximately US$42 million. The net proceeds from the investment will allow SEA Electric to solidify its position as a market leader in the electrification of commercial vehicles whilst funding its considerable backlog and facilitating more pilot programs with operators.
The SEA-Drive Power System. Images: SEA Electric
Founded in Australia in 2012, SEA Electric Holdings Pty Ltd. (SEA Electric) has become an international success story with its proprietary electric power-system technology (known as SEA-Drive®) now found across the world's urban delivery and distribution fleets.
With products in seven countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa, SEA Electric has more than one million miles of independently OEM-tested and in-service operation behind its technology.
This week, SEA Electric announced it has closed initial private placement equity financing for total gross proceeds of approximately US$42 million. The net proceeds from the investment will allow SEA Electric to solidify its position as a market leader in the electrification of commercial vehicles whilst funding its considerable backlog and facilitating more pilot programs with operators.
According to President and Founder Tony Fairweather, the financing allows SEA Electric to accelerate its global sales efforts and further utilize its proprietary Sea-Drive® 120b battery power system, while strengthening the delivery and distribution transportation segment for vehicles that operate in urban and metropolitan areas.
SEA Electric issued approximately 1.1 million Series A Preferred Shares at a price of US $40.1995 per share, convertible into common shares of SEA Electric at the option of subscribers and automatically convert to common shares under certain conditions, including SEA Electric completing a public transaction.
Fairweather stated, “We are very pleased to have completed a heavily oversubscribed equity financing and are excited to welcome aboard a global set of institutional investors as partners. The financing allows SEA Electric to grow our backlog as we explore options to seek a public listing in the United States this year.”
SEA Electric currently partners with commercial vehicle OEMs, dealers, operators and upfitters to deliver a new range of zero-emissions trucks and is on schedule to deliver more than 1,000 electric commercial vehicles this year. The company forecast is to have more than 15,000 vehicles on the road by the end of 2023.
“2021 will see a paradigm shift in the way developed markets facilitate uptake of commercial electric vehicles and the unstoppable momentum will build year-after-year” said Fairweather.
It is a notable achievement that in the face of lacklustre government support for clean technology in Australia, a company like SEA Electric has successfully conquered the international market in eight years. Companies like SEA Electric, Tritium and Evans Electric exemplify the technical and creative capital that exist in Australia that must be nurtured to support jobs, manufacturing and the transition to clean energy technologies.
Volta Zero electric truck to make its French debut on customer tour
The Volta Zero, the first purpose-built full-electric large commercial vehicle, will make its French debut at a series of high-profile customer and supplier events, starting in Paris on Monday 15 February and running for four weeks.
VOLTA ZERO MAKES ITS FRENCH DEBUT ahead of customer deliveries in late 2021
The Volta Zero, the first purpose-built full-electric large commercial vehicle, will make its French debut at a series of high-profile customer and supplier events, starting in Paris on Monday 15 February and running for four weeks.
Volta is a European start-up that launched a prototype version of its Zero full-electric 16-tonne in September 2020. The company expects European customer deliveries to begin by the end of 2021. Perfect for inner-city freight deliveries, the Zero has a pure-electric range of 150 - 200 kms (95 – 125 miles), the Volta Zero will eliminate an estimated 180,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2025 according to the company.
For the first time in France, the Volta Zero will be displayed with Swoopin, the global provider of sustainable transportation and urban logistics services, in south east Paris. In early January, Swoopin confirmed the use of the Volta Zero as part of their existing zero-emission fleet of electric vans, cars and eBikes, supporting their last-mile distribution hubs, and helping cities meet ambitious CO2 emissions targets. Over the four-week event, many potential and existing customers, fleet operators and suppliers will experience the Volta Zero, as well as introductions to local legislators and policymakers.
The Volta Zero in Swoopin livery, ready for its French debut. Image: Volta
Under current legislation, internal combustion engine commercial vehicles will be banned from operating in Paris from 2024 as all French cities of more than 150,000 residents adopt new Low Emissions Zones. As part of this legislation, the French government is offering incentives of up to €50,000 for the transition to zero emission commercial vehicles, making the acceleration of fleet electrification of paramount importance to French fleet operators.
Confirming the French debut, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Rob Fowler, said; “With the imminent changes in legislation in French cities, it’s clear that the adoption of electric commercial vehicles needs to accelerate very quickly. Currently there is a real shortage of electrified products on offer to fleet operators, but with the Volta Zero, we can show our important French customers that we have a compelling solution that meets their needs.
“When our founders created Volta Trucks, they didn’t want to just offer a zero-emission vehicle, but to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles as a whole, especially in city centres where air quality is at its worst. In bringing the Volta Zero to France, we also hope to stimulate a wider awareness of full electric vehicles in the commercial sector and thus, help improve the air quality and environment for all French city inhabitants.”
Ford Reveals 2022 E-Transit Van
The Ford Transit has quite the history; as a best-selling light commercial vehicle in the UK and Europe for the best part of 50 years, and also for its association with the ‘white-van-man’ stereotype.
Images: Ford
The Ford Transit has quite the history; as a best-selling light commercial vehicle in the UK and Europe for the best part of 50 years, and also for its association with the ‘white-van-man’ stereotype. 2022 brings an electrified version, featuring a 67kWh batter, 350km range and a 198kW/430Nm rear-mounted electric motor. That’s a lot of grunt for a van.
The E-Transit’s range may seem limited, but with DC fast-charging, it can add 72 kilometres of range (45 miles) in 15 minutes, recharging at a rate of up to 115kW.
Payload is rated at 1,616kg, despite the large under-floor mounted battery pack. What’s more, tradespeople and others requiring power have access to AC power available from the E-Transit’s batteries.
Ford intends to achieve carbon neutrality worldwide by 2050, and the E-Transit is an early example of the electrification taking place at the automaker. Read the full press release below:
Source: Ford
Ford reveals the 2022 E-Transit – an all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van – featuring next-level connected vehicle technology with Built Ford Tough capability and electric vehicle-certified dealer support, all for a price starting under $45,000
New to E-Transit is standard SYNC® 4; when paired with an activated standard embedded modem, these connected solutions unlock software subscriptions that help fleets manage charging transactions, telematics services and more
Available Pro Power Onboard turns E-Transit into a mobile generator with up to 2.4 kilowatts of available power to help customers use and recharge job site tools ranging from belt sanders to miter saws
E-Transit is a smart workhorse for North American cities designed with insight from 30 million miles of customer telematics data to deliver the right amount of range based on fleet needs; E-Transit delivers an estimated driving range of 126 miles in the low-roof cargo van variant
E-Transit is the first all-electric cargo van from a full-line automaker in North America and offers a choice of eight configurations including three roof heights and three lengths, plus chassis cab and cutaway models; with a powerful electric motor targeting 266 horsepower/198 kilowatts of power and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, E-Transit comes ready to work when it arrives in late 2021
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2020 – Ford, the world’s cargo van leader1, introduces the 2022 E-Transit van, a smart workhorse that will offer customers enhanced productivity enabled by its fully electric powertrain, software solutions, services and Pro Power Onboard options.
“Ford is North America and Europe’s commercial truck and van leader, so the transition of fleet vehicles to zero emissions, especially for the fast-growing last-mile delivery segment, is critical to achieve our carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Ford is ready to lead the charge, starting with the all-electric Transit and all-electric F-150 on the way. This is good for the planet and a huge advantage for customers to help lower their operating costs and provide connected fleet management technologies that will help their businesses.”
The all-new E-Transit is backed by Ford’s powerhouse network of 1,800-plus global commercial vehicle dealers, including 645 commercial vehicle centers across the U.S. – about 90 percent of which are electric vehicle-certified – for easy sales and service.
E-Transit offers the same interior cargo dimensions and standard mounting points for continued integration with hundreds of upfitters and vehicle modifiers worldwide who provide compatible racks, bins and accessories on gas-powered Transit. The majority of U.S. Transit vehicles sold last year were upfitted, and Ford continues to provide the same upfit financing support for van customers, including those who purchase or lease. With 13 upfitters located conveniently within 30 miles of the assembly plant, customers get fast delivery to the upfitter of their choice right when they order their van, removing the need for an upfit after delivery and helping them get on the road quickly.
While most newcomers in the van business are still building prototypes, developing testing protocols and addressing difficult usage conditions, Ford’s commercial vehicle ecosystem is expanding to include electric vehicle monitoring software and connected solutions for fleets to seamlessly integrate into day-to-day operations.
“We are doubling down on software and digital services to help our fleet customers grow and more efficiently run their businesses,” said Farley.
Ford – which is the leading commercial vehicle brand in North America and Europe – has been making Transit family vehicles for 55 years and commercial vehicles since 1905. The company will assemble E-Transit for North American customers at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Driving to go greener
Cities around the world – from London to Los Angeles – are pledging to create emissions-free zones to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas levels and improve noise pollution. California has also mandated that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
“More construction, emergency vehicles and utility services choose Ford commercial trucks and vans over any other manufacturer2 – and we’re committed to helping customers make the transition to zero-emission technology,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product platform operations officer. “E-Transit is a data-rich, connected platform that will help our fleet customers unlock greater productivity. The value for our commercial customers grows over time as more connected vehicles join the network.”
E-Transit is part of a Ford investment in electrification of more than $11.5 billion through 2022. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E begins arriving later this year, while the all-electric F-150 starts hitting dealers in mid-2022. In North America, Ford is the first full-line automaker to announce plans to produce both an all-electric full-size pickup truck and a full-size van for customers – including fleet owners.
Ford intends to achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2050. It is the only full-line U.S. automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards.
E-Transit will not only help companies operate with the benefits of electrification, it offers clear business advantages. Scheduled maintenance costs for the all-electric Transit are estimated to be 40 percent less than the average scheduled maintenance costs for a gas-powered 2020 Transit over eight years/100,000 miles3. And with lower maintenance requirements and the opportunity to avoid fill-ups, companies can improve customer uptime and productivity.
Range, charging solutions tailored for business
E-Transit is a smart workhorse for U.S. cities designed with insight from 30 million miles of customer telematics data to deliver the right amount of range based on fleet needs – at a price that makes it easy to switch to electric. With a usable battery capacity of 67 kilowatt-hours, E-Transit will deliver an estimated range of 126 miles in the low-roof cargo van variant. The E-Transit has a starting MSRP4 under $45,000 for U.S. fleet customers – and comes backed with an eight-year, 100,000-mile electric vehicle component warranty5.
“This makes E-Transit ideal for commercial customers who know their drive routes and often work in urban environments,” said Ted Cannis, Ford North America general manager of commercial business. “Affordability is key, and our customers buy only what they need to get the job done. E-Transit provides ample range at a price that makes the transition to electric easy. And Ford is just getting started.”
Ford will offer a variety of charging solutions to fit fleet and driver needs, whether at home, at a place of business or on the road. E-Transit comes with access to North America’s largest public charging network – providing drivers with seamless public payment capability and providing fleet managers with central account and billing management.
E-Transit features both AC and DC fast charging, coming standard with a Ford Mobile Charger that can plug into a normal 120-volt outlet for slow and steady charging or into a 240-volt outlet for faster charging. Those seeking the fastest home charging solution can purchase the Ford Connected Charge Station, which can fully charge E-Transit in eight hours.
On a 115-plus-kilowatt DC fast charger, E-Transit cargo van low-roof models can achieve approximately 30 miles of range in 10 minutes and approximately 45 miles of range in 15 minutes6. When plugged into a 240-volt outlet, E-Transit cargo van low-roof models achieve approximately 10 miles per charging hour using the Ford Mobile Charger. Employing a Ford Connected Charge Station brings the number up to approximately 15 miles per charging hour.
More power, connectivity on the go
E-Transit features optional Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 2.4 kilowatts of power for North American customers to transform the vehicle into a mobile generator that powers tools and equipment on job sites and on the go. That’s enough capability to power everything from belt sanders to circular saws.
When activated7, the standard 4G LTE modem unlocks available data subscriptions and delivers seamless connectivity to help commercial vehicle customers manage and optimize fleet efficiency. A range of dedicated electric vehicle services are available through Ford Commercial Solutions, including electric vehicle data enhancements from Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services8.
Remote services like vehicle pre-conditioning – which optimizes cabin temperatures while E-Transit is plugged in to optimize battery efficiency – are also available, as well as charging reports that enable fleet managers to reimburse drivers who bring their vans home in the evening.
E-Transit also brings SYNC® 4 communications and entertainment technology9 to commercial vehicles, featuring a standard 12-inch touch screen that’s easy to use, plus enhanced voice recognition and cloud-enhanced navigation. With SYNC over-the-air updates, E-Transit software and SYNC features will stay at the forefront of performance.
On the road with navigation enabled, fleet operators can benefit from new Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology such as available Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist, which together identify speed limits and automatically change the vehicle speed accordingly.
E-Transit also features additional standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies designed to help fleet customers reduce driver-based insurance claims, including Lane-Keeping System and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Available features include Blind Spot Information System with Blind Spot Assist, a 360-degree camera and Reverse Brake Assist. These features can help maintain fleet driving standards and help improve driver confidence.
Delivered with the capability Transit customers love
Designed for uncompromised cargo capacity, the E-Transit battery is located underneath the vehicle body, providing up to 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space inside the high-roof, extended-wheelbase variant.
Ford engineers redesigned E-Transit’s rear-wheel drive and rear suspension to optimize cargo space, creating a heavy-duty semi-trailing arm suspension system enabling better steering precision and more confident handling, plus better traction both in laden and unladen conditions.
For E-Transit cargo vans in the U.S., Ford is targeting a maximum payload of 3,800 pounds, and up to 4,290 pounds for cutaway versions – with a powerful electric motor delivering a targeted 266 horsepower/198 kilowatts of power and 317 lb.-ft. of torque across all configurations. Fleet owners will have the capability they need to get the job done.
In the U.S., E-Transit is available with a choice of three roof heights and three body lengths, as well as in cargo, cutaway and chassis cab versions.
