Canada-based Vicinity Motor Corp., a North American supplier of commercial electric vehicles said its VMC 1200 all-electric truck has completed and met all applicable United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) testing required for United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) self-certification, which permits sales in the US.

In the United States, the NHTSA issues and enforces FMVSS for vehicles that are manufactured domestically or imported. FMVSS identifies mandatory safety performance requirements for vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The Vehicle Safety Act requires that vehicles be certified to comply and requires the manufacturer to certify the vehicle as compliant.

"Meeting FMVSS compliance provides further assurance that the VMC 1200 meets all relevant safety requirements in the United States, paving the way for the vehicle to be legally sold in this critical market," said Brent Phillips, president of Vicinity Motor Corp. "While much of what is happening in the commercial EV space is developmental or pre-production, Vicinity is leading the way with OEM production solutions that can make an environmental and economic impact today.”

Class 3 Truck Also Completes EPA Certification

In addition, the Class 3 VMC 1200 has also completed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vehicle Certification and Compliance Testing to confirm compliance with the EPA's emissions standards to verify the accuracy of fuel economy test results. The all-electric VMC 1200 was documented by the EPA with 57 MPGe in urban duty cycle testing.

Company Expects to Receive CARB Certification for Class 3 Truck

Vicinity said it also expects to receive certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a zero-emission vehicle in the state of California. The certification is awarded to vehicle manufacturers who meet specific emissions standards in compliance with CARB regulations.

Once CARB certification is secured, Vicinity will initiate measures to participate in California's HVIP incentive program which provides incentives reducing the purchase cost of commercial electric vehicles.

"Obtaining CARB compliance in California will allow the VMC 1200 to be sold in every state throughout the United States,” Phillips said. “CARB certification will also clear the way for the VMC 1200 to be considered for the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. Vehicles permitted into the HVIP program are eligible for monetary vouchers to reduce the total cost for the purchaser.”