Motiv Power Systems announced the deployment of nine electric box trucks with Community Resource Project (CRP). The electric trucks will be deployed in greater Sacramento to provide home energy audits, weatherization, and HVAC services to low-income residents in an area where air quality is some of the worst in the country.

Motiv’s Ford eQVM-approved Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis (EPIC) E-450 chassis were outfitted with work truck bodies by Rockport Commercial Vehicles and purchased through South Bay Ford. Utilizing fifth generation software, Motiv has more than 100 vehicles on the road, providing customers with greater than 99% uptime. Key customers include USPS, Aramark, AmeriPride, Bimbo Bakeries, Winnebago Industries, and several school districts across the country. 

Funding for the electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure comes from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), California Air Resources Board (CARB), and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The vehicles have gone through pre-delivery inspection at Motiv's newly opened Stockton service center, which will also serve as the base for any repairs or maintenance. 

"As a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency, it is important that we lead by example in our efforts," stated Luis Sanchez, CEO of Community Resource Project. "With the help of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Motiv, we are now able to serve people in the region with a clean mobility option. By reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs, we are saving residents money and decreasing emissions and associated air pollution - a win-win for everyone.”

CRP chose Motiv based on the company’s Sacramento presence and its track record of outstanding pre- and post-sales customer support, according to the company. Motiv is focused on building a highly flexible system and a robust software platform that easily integrates already commercialized high-volume batteries, motors and other components into a chassis. 

“We are proud of our continued partnership with Motiv Power Systems. Motiv took the innovative approach of partnering with chassis original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and truck builders like Rockport to electrify the chassis in a way that allows us to run bodies down our assembly line just as we do with any other chassis," said Caleb Pontius, General Manager at Rockport Commercial Vehicles by Forest River Inc. "Safety, battery size/type, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and other specifications are driving the build versus being an afterthought, which is also an ideal set-up for scaling."

CRP plans to promote this electric truck project throughout the 42 energy providers network. 

“The Sac Metro Air District applauds CRP for being an air quality advocate and leader by adding these nine electric vehicles to their fleet,” said Air Pollution Control Officer, Alberto Ayala. “CRP will operate these Motiv-powered vehicles in our most at-risk communities where they are helping our low-income homeowners make sustainable energy improvements to their homes. Zero-emission vehicle technology protects the health of CRP drivers, reduces air pollution and demonstrates this new technology in the communities CRP serves. This is just another example of how CRP continues to serve our community by prioritizing health and a sustainable environment.”