Merchants Fleet has launched an innovative new vehicle electrification initiative, Electrify Fleet, which seeks to deploy new EVs in the commercial market, including through the introduction of the Lordstown Endurance all-electric commercial pickup truck for its clients.

The Electrify Fleet initiative will rapidly deploy new electric commercial vehicles into the market with OEM partners and educate clients about the advantages, applications, and options available to them as fleet electrification continues to expand, the FMC said.

“We are committed to the future of electrification and developing an extended ecosystem of industry partners to address clients’ biggest electric vehicle needs and electrify their fleets,” said Brendan P. Keegan, CEO of Merchants Fleet. “Merchants is proud to be at the forefront of fleet innovation, and we look forward to providing our clients with access to a range of electric vehicle solutions that meet their growing needs.”

In conjunction with the launch, Merchants Fleet developed a sophisticated ecosystem of internal and external expertise, including a strategic partnership with Lordstown Motors. The partnership will introduce the Lordstown Endurance EV commercial pickup truck to Merchants Fleet clients across North America. 

According to Merchants Fleet, Lordstown Motors will begin production of the Endurance in September 2021, with deliveries beginning before the end of the year and full production ramping up throughout 2022.

“Merchants Fleet embodies many of the same values that we built Lordstown Motors upon strength, integrity, community, and innovation,” said Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns.

Merchants Fleet said it is preparing a significant order of electric vehicles for its clients. The company also recently hired industry-leading electrification expert Hari Nayar, underscoring its commitment to Electrify Fleet. 

Merchants has also launched a comprehensive new website that provides clients with tools and insights to make a seamless and cost-effective entry into the electric vehicle market.