Vicinity Motor Corp. (TSX-V:VMC, FRA:6LG) said it has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with JB Poindexter & Co. business unit, EAVX to develop next-generation commercial trucks that use alternative fuels.
The collaboration will integrate EAVX bodies with the existing Vicinity bus and truck motor chassis. Vicinity Motor, a leading supplier of electric, CNG, gas and clean diesel vehicles, aims to lead the global transition to more sustainable vehicles by expanding existing product lines and creating solutions for new customer segments.
"Vicinity has strong engineering and manufacturing expertise, and we believe that it is a natural transition to modify our proven electric bus chassis to accommodate walk-in van applications,” the company's CEO William Trainer said in a statement. "Additionally, we believe there is significant demand through our existing municipal customer base for work truck solutions leveraging our new VMC 1200 Class 3 truck.”
The proposed objectives of the collaboration will include the development of a Class 3 electric truck for municipal fleets and a Class 5/6 truck for walk-in van applications.
EAVX noted that it has a long history of creating the best work truck and commercial vehicle bodies and accessories, and it plans to continue to expand its capabilities by providing alternative-energy vehicles through the partnership with Vicinity Motor.
"As our municipal and commercial customers evaluate the decision to convert fleets from internal combustion engines to alternative fuel, such as EVs, the total cost of ownership is a primary factor," said EAVX chief operating officer and general manager Mark Hope. "Working with Vicinity Motor will enable us to offer vehicle solutions that help lower the cost of fuel and maintenance, and expedite the adoption of EVs in the municipal and commercial vehicle markets."
Vancouver-based Vicinity Motor’s flagship line of Vicinity buses, which maintains a market segment leadership position in Canada, are produced by the firm’s world-class manufacturing partners and will be assembled at its soon-to-be-completed Buy America Act compliant facility in the State of Washington.
Vicinity's innovative Vicinity Lightning EV bus enabled through a strategic supply agreement with BMW for batteries and components, seeks to lead the global transition to more sustainable transit vehicles.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com