The Shyft Group, Inc. officially finalized an agreement with Rush Enterprises. Rush Enterprises, known for operating the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships across North America, will now be instrumental in selling and servicing The Shyft Group's  Blue Arc Class 3, 4, and 5 all-electric medium-duty delivery vehicles.

Daryl Adams, the President and CEO of The Shyft Group, expressed their commitment to delivering top-quality, driver-centric electric vehicles for last-mile delivery.

Adams stated, "When our customers couldn't find what they needed and asked us to enter the EV space for last-mile delivery vehicles, we committed to deliver with commercial-grade quality, innovation, and a strong focus on driver needs." He also noted the outstanding partnerships that have made this venture possible, with Rush Enterprises playing a vital role in getting Blue Arc vehicles on the road.

The Blue Arc all-electric delivery vehicles have been designed to set new industry standards in performance and range during this pivotal transition towards clean technology. Blue Arc features a CARB certification of 225 miles for Class 3 EVs under CARB test conditions. This certification gives customers the assurance that these vehicles can comfortably handle daily last-mile delivery routes and cargo capacity requirements, often exceeding expectations, according to the company.

W.M. "Rusty" Rush, Chairman, CEO, and President of Rush Enterprises Inc., praised The Shyft Group's five decades of experience in the last-mile delivery market, highlighting their unique ability to create a robust EV solution from scratch.

Rush stated, "We are confident that many fleet customers will find Blue Arc's range and payload capabilities to be a valuable solution to their last-mile delivery needs."

He further emphasized Rush Truck Centers' commitment to assisting customers in selecting the best powertrain technology for their application and duty cycles while adhering to regulatory requirements and environmental goals.

The Blue Arc portfolio offers a range of options to cater to various cargo capacity and payload needs.

• Class 3 electric delivery vehicles come with 600, 700, or 800 cubic feet of cargo capacity and a payload capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.

• Class 4 offers 700 and 800 cubic feet options.

• Class 5 provides 900, 1110, and 1,200 cubic feet options, with a payload capacity of up to 7,500 lbs.

For fleet managers eagerly anticipating these electric delivery vehicles, deliveries are set to commence in 2024, starting from Charlotte, Michigan. Vehicle sales and service support will be offered through authorized dealerships strategically positioned across Rush Truck Centers' extensive nationwide network.

The partnership between The Shyft Group and Rush Enterprises signals a promising step forward in the adoption of electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, providing fleet managers with efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to meet their evolving needs.