Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. has launched the MT50e, its all-electric Class 5 walk-in van to meet the demands of last-mile delivery.
Serving as the latest addition to Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) overall electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, which includes the Freightliner branded battery-electric eCascadia and eM2 as well as Thomas Built Buses’ Jouley school bus, the MT50e provides a clean-energy solution for last-mile deliveries and acts as a complement to the existing Class 8 and Class 5 offerings, the company noted. This aligns with DTNA’s goal to offer exclusively carbon-neutral products by 2039.
Freightliner Custom Chassis, a manufacturer of gas, diesel, and alt-fuel chassis for the medium-duty pickup and delivery markets, expects to begin delivering production units of the MT50e in the coming weeks.
The MT50e arrives as many fleet operators look for diesel- and gas-powered alternatives. Rising ecommerce sales act as a driver behind the acceleration of the last-mile delivery industry, fueling the need for more efficient solutions.
The MT50e’s range of 170 miles on a single charge and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 19,000 lb. provide a comparable product to the existing MT products from Freightliner Custom Chassis. The MT50e has the same body dimensions as its gas and diesel MT, which allows existing bodies to be utilized with little change and easy integration into existing fleets, the company added.
The MT50e is optimized for driver safety and ease of operation through its standard OptiView, a fully integrated all-digital gauge display, and DriveTech driver controls. DriveTech puts every command in one location, while OptiView provides tools such as 360-degree cameras and clear navigation.
“The MT50e is an innovative, problem-solving product that is the result of collaboration between FCCC and Daimler Trucks North America—and it is the new industry standard in a practical, powerful all-electric delivery vehicle,” said FCCC’s president and CEO, Jeff Sather.
“Our customers demand innovative products that are not only safe and reliable, but also clean. Our electric walk-in van helps our customers and company to have a positive impact on business, communities and the environment,” he added.
The MT50e is 50-state EPA- and California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified. Additional features of the MT50e include engine power of up to 226 kWh (303 hp), a full battery charge in three hours, and a single-piece steel frame maximizing heavy-duty load capacity. To improve driver comfort and safety, the MT50e has a 50-degree wheel cut for tighter turn radius and maneuverability, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes and nationwide access to the Detroit eFill charging network.
