Motiv Electric Trucks launched Argo, a fully-integrated cab-chassis design, which the company said significantly expands the number and type of vehicles and applications that can be electrified. With its multiple available configurations, Motive tells us Argo supports dock height to lower-profile applications and a wider range of truck body lengths for work site vehicles (short dump trucks and aerial lifts), walk-through delivery trucks (step vans), dry freight or refrigerated trucks up to 30 ft. long, and buses.

“Overnight we’ve moved from a company primarily serving a narrow slice of the $20 billion medium-duty truck market to one that can serve nearly that entire market,” said Scott Griffith, chief executive officer of Motiv Electric Trucks. “The launch of Argo is a transformational moment for our company as we can now offer more vehicles and options to help more fleet customers meet their sustainability goals.”

Here are some of Motiv’s highlights of the Argo series:

• Motiv said Argo trucks can haul up to 14,000 lbs. of payload and drive up to 200 miles. The cab’s lightweight composite structure coupled with the Aries LFP battery that was co-developed with Our Next Energy, provides fleets with competitive range and payload capacity without requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
• Argo was designed with an emphasis on visibility, according to Motiv. Forward command seating, low beltlines, larger windshield and a low curbside window are meant to give drivers more direct views of their surroundings to help keep pedestrians safe. Front and rear cameras and optional e-mirrors are also offered.
• Curbside, forward-facing entry and exit with two full-length safety railings and full-size, high-friction, self-cleaning interior steps help mitigate the most commonly-occurring operator injuries, Motiv said.

• The cab was built for operator heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’3”, Motiv said. A heated captain seat with adjustable lumbar support and armrests enables better driving posture, which the company said allows for improved vehicle control while reducing fatigue. Navigation system, climate control, cup holder and device charger ports are within an arm’s reach to help minimize distractions, Motiv said.
• Built in partnership with TPI Composites, the Argo cab uses advanced structural composite materials and processes that provide higher corrosion and impact resistance, better repairability and stronger structural integrity, Motiv said. Motiv’s Gen 6 technology featuring the Motiv Smart Hub aims to improve reliability by reducing cables and replacing wires with circuit boards. Argo also has in-cab service access.
• Motiv tells us the Argo has several energy optimization features, including the composite cab structure, built-in microwire heat on the windshield to save on defrosting energy, and seats heated and cooled with specially-designed airflow.
• Compatible with 14-ft. to 30-ft. truck bodies. The Argo comes in wheelbases ranging from 178-in. to 252-in. It is available in a dock-height configuration with standard 295/75R22.5 tires or a lower-profile height with 245/70R19.5 tires.
• Motiv said Argo’s motor and controller, co-developed with Nidec, offers torque comparable to a Class 8 diesel and motor performance comparable to an 800V system, while using a 400V system that is compatible with all DC fast chargers.