Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation, and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), are to develop the MT50e, a new all-electric delivery truck chassis. The MT50e will be on display at the upcoming NTEA Work Truck Show, March 4 to 6 in Indianapolis.

Built on FCCC‘s legendary MT platform, the MT50e will feature a Proterra battery system with 226kWh of energy capacity and an all-electric, zero-emission drive system. The all-electric chassis can support a GVWR of 16,000 to 23,000 pounds (7257kg to 10,432kg), with no reduction in cargo volume capacity. The vehicle is designed to have a 125 miles-plus (200km) driving range and can fully charge in three hours with SAE J1772 CCS DC fast charging.

“The new MT-50e blends the earth-friendly and efficient performance of an electric vehicle with the undisputed strength and ruggedness that‘s made FCCC the most reliable chassis on the market,” said Mike Stark, product manager for Commercial Chassis for FCCC. “The MT50e builds on our heritage of technological innovation and propels both us and our customers into an era of zero emissions for last-mile delivery vehicles.”

Proterra CEO Ryan Popple said fleet operators are looking to electrify delivery trucks today and there is growing industry interest in a high-performance electric chassis with an energy-dense battery system.

“The MT50e offers fleet operators an industry-leading vehicle platform that they‘re familiar with, combined with proven electric vehicle technology and expertise from Proterra.”

The MT-50e is designed to combine the reliability and durability of FCCC‘s products with the efficiency and performance of a factory-installed, fully integrated electric power system. Launched as a prototype at the 2019 Work Truck Show, the MT50e is the first planned product in what will be a portfolio of all-electric products for a variety of vocations including pick-up and delivery, bakery and linen vocations.