SEA Electric has scored its biggest order to date, with 1150 zero-emissions SEA Hino M5 EVs ordered by GATR Truck Center in the USA.
Founded in Australia in 2012, this order bolsters SEA Electric’s move into the US. With headquarters in Los Angeles, the company has been making waves in the North American market over the past 18 months, establishing a nationwide network of technology partners, plus collaborations with leading OEMs.
For SEA Electric, the milestone far exceeds the previous benchmark order for the company.
“This is our first four-digit order, and it comes in a non-incentive state, which proves that commercial EV solutions can expand in areas with no incentives, while all corners of the market are seeking premium EV solutions,” said Nick Casas, SEA Electric vice president of sales and marketing.
“GATR should be congratulated for being at the forefront of EV supply and being capable of servicing the needs of large fleets immediately.”
GATR Truck Center has five dealerships throughout Iowa and Minnesota and currently has an e-commerce system in development to sell purely electric vehicles.
The first 40 vehicles from the massive order are expected to be delivered by the end of December 2021, with the remaining vehicles to be delivered throughout 2022.
“GATR EV is excited to be at the forefront of launching electric vehicles into the transportation industry,” said Jay Klemp, director of sales at GATR EV (a division of GATR Truck Centers).
“Because of this strategic partnership, we can build enough quantity of these Hino trucks to provide demonstration vehicles, and also solutions to our future fleet partners.”
The SEA M5 EV model featured at the recent ACT Expo in Long Beach, CA, complete with the SEA-Drive 120a Power System, which is specified for truck platforms with a GVWR of 13,000lbs to 18,000lbs (Class 3-5).
The package features a 1106lb-ft electric motor in combination with a 138 kWh battery pack.
Casas explains, “GATR has a partnership with Merchants Fleet, which will benefit the end-user, who will not only be able to access an electric solution straight away, but will be able to transact with one of the most respected leasing companies in the USA.”
Merchants Fleet has committed over $2 billion towards having 50 per cent of its mobility fleet electric by 2025 and 50 per cent of its clients’ fleet electric by 2030. The company has also launched an innovative Adopt EV program, designed to help guide businesses through each step of the fleet electrification process—from assessing needs, to purchasing the right vehicles, to charging options and infrastructure support.
“This deal is the culmination of years of research, development and growth, and proves that SEA Electric is on track to be number one when it comes to electrifying fleets across the world,” said Mike Menyhart, SEA Electric president – Americas and chief strategy officer.
“The market is looking for a proven EV solution, and with SEA Electric, we bring that to the industry technology which has been verified with millions of miles of real-world use.
“Furthermore, this announcement reaffirms our commitment to continue our rapid expansion within the North American market, and sets the scene for an exciting 2022.”