Futuristic MCV breaks cover

More and more medium commercial vehicles (MCVs) are shunning diesel in favour of electric propulsion. But none are as stylish or futuristic as the new Argo.

Motiv Power Systems has announced the launch of the new Argo Series electric truck. This strategic step for the US company will triple its market size. It says the Argo is the first medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) cab designed from the ground up, with customer-driven kilometres and fleet owner feedback built in. 

The Argo Series is designed to support all medium-duty applications, including box trucks, step vans, shuttle buses, refrigerated vehicles, and other specialties. It is built on top of Motiv’s next-generation powertrain, boasting industry-leading torque and a lithium ferrophosphate battery with a range of 150 to 200 miles (241 to 322km).

Motiv is a longtime EV truck company with more than 14 years of experience providing all-electric vehicles capable of moving two- to six-tonne payloads for industry leaders like Cintas, Bimbo Bakeries, and Purolator. Motiv has deployed more than 180 vehicles and driven more than 4.5 million kilometres with fleets across North America, gaining considerable experience transitioning fleets, refining truck capabilities, and delivering high-quality performance.

The Argo Series comes at a time of unprecedented growth in the medium-duty EV market, driven by incoming regulations and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. “The market is demanding a proven solution that enables companies to confidently scale their EV fleets, which is where Motiv steps in: Argo combines our proven powertrain technology with a new driver-centric cab to deliver an unparalleled EV experience,” says Tim Krauskopf, Motiv CEO.

“After years of helping fleets put EVs on the roads, Motiv has the right combination of daily route experience and expertise to design and build its own cab – the next step toward becoming a full-featured original equipment manufacturer,” adds Jim Castelaz, Motiv’s founder and CTO.

“Many have joined the commercial EV space by jumping in headfirst and starting with ultra-modern, flashy designs that don’t always offer practical driving experiences,” Castelaz continues. “Motiv, on the other hand, has carefully applied insights gathered over the last decade to create Argo, a truck that marries the reliability and work focus of Motor City with Silicon Valley innovation.”

The new Argo vehicles will boast a futuristic cab designed from the ground up for an EV, distinguishing it from traditional internal combustion trucks while maintaining the utility of the vehicle. 

The new truck is particularly energy efficient thanks to the Argo cab’s composite structure, including windshields with built-in heat to save on defrosting energy, seats heated with specially designed airflow, and a shorter bumper-to-back-of-cab distance to create more manoeuvrable trucks. The weight savings of composites mean more payload, offsetting incremental battery weight.

Informed by customer experience, the Argo cab features a commanding seating position to relieve driver fatigue and decrease work compensation-related injuries. This feature provides superior visibility and ergonomics compared to conventional cabs, includes sightlines at the four points of the vehicle, incorporates lower belt lines for better visibility, and features door access with full-size interior steps.

Unfortunately, the truck is not available in SA, and this won’t change any time soon. “Motiv is not producing right-hand drive vehicles,” a company spokesperson tells FOCUS, “because our operations are limited to North America at the moment. We do not have a current plan or timeline for producing right-hand vehicles.”