Motiv Power wins $8.1M in California grants, starts production

Foster City, California – Motiv Power Systems has received $8.1 million in grant funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to continue the commercialization of its All-Electric Powertrain, including a new manufacturing facility in Hayward, California. Meeting the growing demand for electric trucks and buses across the U.S., this facility will produce the entire suite of products included in Motiv's All-Electric Powertrain. At full capacity, the facility will employ 20 workers and produce 480 all-electric powertrains annually.

"Motiv Power Systems is advancing electric transportation technology through several California Energy Commission grants, transforming mere concepts into practical, zero and near-zero emission vehicles," says Janea A. Scott lead commissioner on transportation for the California Energy Commission. "This new manufacturing facility is a great example of effective public policy and investments that can help the state meet its clean air, climate and petroleum reduction goals."

For the development of the Hayward manufacturing facility, Motiv previously received $2.4 million in funding from the CEC. Recently, the CEC awarded grants for approximately $2.7 million and $3 million to fund the production of a Class C electric school bus and electric refuse and loader trucks, respectively. In total, Motiv has received $12.3 million in funding from the CEC since its founding in 2009.

"We are deeply grateful for the CEC's leadership and California's grant programs. Our success is in large part due to the CEC's continuing support of cutting-edge research and investments that help develop zero-emission vehicles," says Motiv CEO Jim Castelaz. "Our new manufacturing facility will enable us to meet the rising demand for zero-emission vehicles from fleets seeking cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation solutions."

The Motiv All-Electric Powertrain upfit package is currently available for three truck and bus chassis: the Ford F59, the Ford E-450, and Crane Carrier cabover class 8 chassis. The upfit package includes all of the components needed to transform the chassis from fossil fuel to zero-emission all-electric drive, such as batteries, motor, universal charging compatibility, and power for hydraulics, heating, and air conditioning units.

Source: Motiv Power Systems