Optimal EV and Fontaine Modification Work Truck & EV Solutions introduce a repower solution that seamlessly converts conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks and buses to zero-emissions electric power. The companies built the Optimal EV E1-R on Optimal Platform Technology and based it on the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis. Fontaine will integrate the E1-R into commercial vehicle applications including bus, delivery vans, and specialty vehicles at its modification centers.
“We are excited to offer our customers another option allowing them to participate in the clean tech revolution that’s underway,” says Jason Hughes, senior vice president, business development at Optimal EV. “In fact, repowering existing vehicles is even a greener solution than first-sale examples, as the carbon emitted in the vehicle’s manufacturing process has already been accounted for. Repower also immediately offsets previously invested sunk costs. Add to that the fact that we are working with a world-class integrator like Fontaine, and it’s really a 360-degree win.”
PARTNERSHIP TO REPOWER
Combining Optimal EV’s more than 35 years of OEM-level engineering with Fontaine Modification’s nearly four decades of industry-leading engineering, manufacturing and system integration experience has resulted in a repower solution and conversion process that will help accelerate electric fleet conversions. The repowered vehicles will provide commercial vehicle applications, including bus, delivery vehicles, and specialty vehicles with performance, safety, and durability.
“The Optimal EV system design is simple and clean, which allows for a robust and efficient integration,” says David Brosky, vice president, sales and business development at Fontaine Modification. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the Optimal team to bring this repower solution to market.”
The first range of repower solutions are for the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis, widely modified by upfitters throughout North America. With the E1-R, upfitters will get a product they’ve already designed and planned for, but with an electric powertrain. Additionally, customers looking to repurpose existing vehicles have a new zero-emissions option.
From a sustainability perspective, repowering takes ICE vehicles off the road and opens electric-drive solutions for upfitters and their customers. This results in higher rates of EV adoption as well as less emissions and better performing vehicles.
OPTIMAL E1-R HIGHLIGHTS
The E1-R powertrain will be available on 2018 to 2023 model year Ford E-450 cutaway chassis. The powertrain boasts 375 hp and 1,254 lb-ft on tap, OEM E-450 equivalent 30% gradeability, and 125-plus miles of range. The system features Proterra® 113kW batteries, and the vehicle’s frame rails protect all power electronics and high voltage cables.
Further, each conversion starts with a detailed vehicle inspection. The repowered vehicles are equipped with a new powertrain and user interface with refreshed components where required. The repowered vehicle offers the performance and longevity of a brand-new vehicle and the EV capability engineered by Optimal EV.
Find out more, visit www.optimal-ev.com or www.fontainemodification.com.
