SEA Electric’s massive order for 1,150 trucks

Electric truck and van drive train manufacturer SEA Electric has made a major breakthrough in the key United States market winning its biggest-ever order to supply 1,150 new trucks.

The company, which make its SEA Electric drive trains in Melbourne and fits them to trucks in Australia and internationally, received confirmation of the order for over 1,000 SEA Hino M5 EVs following the recent ACT Expo in Long Beach, CA.

The Hino vehicle featured at the Expo complete with the SEA-Drive 120a Power System, which is specified for truck platforms with a GVWR of 13,000lbs to 18,000lbs (Class 3-5).

Set to be delivered to GATR EV, a division of GATR Truck Centers, the zero-emissions trucks will feature a 1,106lb-ft electric motor in combination with a 138 kWh battery pack.

SEA Electric Americas president Mike Menyhart said: “This deal is the culmination of years of research, development and growth, and proves that SEA Electric is on track to be number one when it comes to electrifying fleets across the world.

“The market is looking for a proven EV solution, and with SEA Electric, we bring that to the industry technology which has been verified with millions of miles of real-world use.

“Furthermore, this announcement reaffirms our commitment to continue our rapid expansion within the North American market, and sets the scene for an exciting 2022.”

SEA Electric, which recently moved its headquarters to Los Angeles, CA to place itself in its biggest market, has been making waves over the past 18 months establishing a US-wide network of technology partners, plus collaborations with leading OEMs.

SEA Electric’s sales and marketing vice president Nick Casas said: “This is our first four-digit order, and it comes in a non-incentive state, which proves that commercial EV solutions can expand in areas with no incentives, while all corners of the market are seeking premium EV solutions.

“GATR should be congratulated for being at the forefront of EV supply and being capable of servicing the needs of large fleets immediately.

“GATR has a partnership with Merchants Fleet, which will benefit the end-user, who will not only be able to access an electric solution straight away, but will be able to transact with one of the most respected leasing companies in the USA.”

Merchants Fleet is America’s fastest growing fleet management company and has committed more than US$2 billion toward having 50 per cent of its mobility fleet electric by 2025 and 50 per cent of its clients’ fleet electric by 2030.

GATR Truck Center, which features five dealerships throughout Iowa and Minnesota, also has an e-commerce system in development to sell purely electric vehicles.

The first 40 vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of December 2021, with the remaining vehicles to be delivered throughout 2022.

Picture: SEA Electric

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