January 19, 2021

Ramakrishnan new COO at Motiv Power Systems

Motiv Power Systems has announced that Prasad Ramakrishnan assumed the role of chief operating officer (COO), effective Jan. 1. He succeeds Marc Herman, who retired at the end of 2020 after a 10-year tenure with the company.

Ramakrishnan joined Motiv in July 2020 as a Board Advisor to assist Motiv’s leadership team in developing its manufacturing and supply chain strategy. In his new role, he will focus on operational excellence and ensuring engineering, manufacturing, and quality processes provide customer-focused, robust, reliable, and profitable products at high-volume.

January 19, 2021

Bimbo Bakeries & Purolator Fleets Take EV Use to Next Level

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on U.S. and Canadian roads continues to grow, more fleets turn to EVs to minimize their greenhouse gas emissions.

The EV market was even a hot topic of discussion during the first 2020 presidential debate, with both President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden extremely optimistic about EVs’ future.

Trump claimed he would be “all for electric cars with big incentives,” while Biden said he would electrify the federal fleet, as well as add 500,000 charging stations on highways.

January 19, 2021

Motiv Power Systems Appoints Prasad Ramakrishnan as Chief Operating Officer

Automotive industry veteran to focus on operational excellence

 [Foster City, Calif. – January 19, 2021]Motiv Power Systems announced today that Prasad Ramakrishnan assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1, 2021. Ramakrishnan succeeds Marc Herman, who retired at the end of 2020 after a ten-year tenure with the company. Ramakrishnan joined Motiv in July 2020 as a Board Advisor to assist Motiv’s leadership team in developing a robust manufacturing and supply chain strategy. In his new role, he will focus on operational excellence and ensuring engineering, manufacturing, and quality processes provide customer-focused, robust, reliable, and profitable products at high-volume.

“As we head into the new year, we are making a shift in our senior leadership team to accommodate the new challenges we face as we transform our business for significant growth,” said Matt O’Leary, Motiv’s Chairman and CEO. “I am pleased to welcome Prasad to Motiv’s leadership team, who will have an immediate impact on our company’s performance.”

Ramakrishnan is a global turnaround specialist with expertise in renewable energy, mobility, and power industries, to name a few. He held global or regional operational leadership roles at Ford, Triumph International, Alstom, and General Electric while living and working in four continents during his career. With a passion for inclusive leadership and team development, while combining social and economic impact, he taught and developed executive education programs at the Swiss Federal Tech University (ETH) in Zurich and Babson College in Boston. Ramakrishnan holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics & Electrical Engineering, master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering & Personnel Administration, and is a Saïd Business School alumnus of the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme.

“I am excited to join Motiv and work alongside Matt and the entire team to continue to execute on its strategic plan, accelerate growth, and deliver exceptional products to our fleet customers,” said Ramakrishnan. “There has never been a better time to go electric, and Motiv is well-positioned to lead the charge.”

Prasad Ramakrishnan, Motiv’s new COO

Despite numerous challenges of 2020, Motiv commercialized the AdaptEV software and power electronics in the EPIC chassis, forging key partnerships for battery supply and third-party manufacturing, improving reliability, and establishing a best-in-class customer support team. 2020 also marked the significant growth of customer deployments, including Alsco Uniforms, Bimbo Bakeries, Vail Valley Foundation’s Magic Bus, Town of Estes Park, Community Recourse Project, and many others who enjoy a 98 percent uptime.

About Motiv Power Systems

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems is a sustainable technology company delivering proven electric truck and bus chassis and related charging infrastructure. Its commitment to freeing fleets from fossil fuels provides fleets a seamless pathway to electrification. Motiv’s Ford eQVM-approved and CARB-certified EV technology operates at over 98 percent uptime today and uses high-performance BMW batteries for many configurations, including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and more. Motiv has delivered 120 vehicles that have traveled more than one million miles across North America. The company’s solutions not only offer fleets up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings, but also provide operators with a healthier and more comfortable driving experience without polluting the communities they serve. For more information and career opportunities, please visit motivtrucks.com.

 

Media Contact for Motiv:

Joanna Hamblin
Sr. Marketing Manager
Motiv Power Systems
joanna.hamblin@motivps.com
(650) 204-9099

Technica Communications
Sarah Malpeli
(408) 806-9626 ext. 6840
sarah@technicacommunications.com

January 17, 2021

Winnebago Puts Preschool On Wheels, Motiv Power Systems Makes It Move

Winnebago Industries has been an important component of family road trips and outdoor recreation memories for decades through brands such as Chris-Craft boats, Newmar luxury motorhomes and, of course, Winnebago recreational vehicles. There’s another part of Winnebago, however, that builds products more likely to be found parked downtown during the day rather than a campground at night.

Through the company’s Specialty Vehicle Div., a dedicated team leverages Winnebago’s motorhome platform and purchasing power to design and build vehicles for use as things like bookmobiles and surgical instrument labs. The division offers a range of commercial vehicle platforms, which creates a clean slate for upfitters to create vehicles that meet the specific needs of their customers.

January 12, 2021

Motiv Power Systems Secures $20 Million From Crescent Cove Advisors, LP.

Funding will help accelerate manufacturing capacity expansion and new product development

 [Foster City, Calif. – January 12, 2021] — To aid in company-wide expansion, Motiv Power Systems announced that it has secured $20 million in financing from Crescent Cove Advisors, LP. The initial transaction closed in December of 2020, with additional funding expected at the close of Motiv’s Series C round, which Motiv is in the process of raising. In 2020, Motiv had record customer orders and secured $15 million in funding from GMAG Holdings Corp. This new funding traunch will help Motiv scale operational and manufacturing capabilities to meet demand and continue to provide high-touch customer support.

Jun Hong Heng, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Crescent Cove, commented, “Motiv’s success with medium-duty electrification has made them a trusted partner for many of the biggest fleet names in North America. We are excited to fund the next stage of their growth, which will have a lasting impact on the industry and the air we breathe.”

Motiv’s EPIC product line is available for multiple configurations, including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and specialty vehicles. Built on Ford eQVM-approved platforms, such as the F-59, E-450, and F-53, the company provides reliable, high performing EV technology for medium-duty fleets, building confidence and trust with repeat customers. In addition, the final stage of the vehicle build is performed by industry-leading bus and truck partners, with the same bodies that fleets come to rely on, providing an easy transition to electric.

“As we move into a new year, Motiv is also entering an exciting stage of growth and development in our mission to free fleets from fossil fuels,” said Matt O’Leary, Motiv’s Chairman and CEO. “We are honored with Crescent Cove’s confidence and investment in our company as we transform fleet electrification and are thrilled to be part of such an esteemed portfolio of companies.”

 

 About Motiv Power Systems

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems is a sustainable technology company delivering proven electric truck and bus chassis and related charging infrastructure. Its commitment to freeing fleets from fossil fuels provides fleets a seamless pathway to electrification. Motiv’s Ford eQVM-approved and CARB-certified EV technology operates at over 98 percent uptime today and uses high-performance BMW batteries for many configurations, including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and more. Motiv has delivered 120 vehicles that have traveled more than one million miles across North America. The company’s solutions not only offer fleets up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings, but also provide operators with a healthier and more comfortable driving experience without polluting the communities they serve. For more information and career opportunities, please visit motivtrucks.com.

About Crescent Cove Advisors, LP.

Based in San Francisco, Crescent Cove Advisors, LP is a credit-led investment firm within the technology, media & telecom (TMT) middle market. Differentiated by its speed and flexibility in solving complex financing issues, the firm is a sought-after partner for technology entrepreneurs. Select investments today include Luminar Technologies (NASDAQ: LAZR), Geo Semiconductor, Ember Technologies, and FreightRoll. For more information, visit www.crescentcove.com.

 

Media Contact for Motiv:

Joanna Hamblin
Sr. Marketing Manager
Motiv Power Systems
joanna.hamblin@motivps.com
(650) 204-9099

Technica Communications
Sarah Malpeli
(408) 806-9626 ext. 6840
sarah@technicacommunications.com

Media Contact for Crescent Cove Advisors:

Doug Donsky
ICR
(646) 677-1844
doug.donsky@ICRinc.com

 

December 8, 2020

Alsco Uniforms North America Launches Fleet Electrification Program with Motiv Power Systems

The premier uniform service provider’s zero-emission fleet will be powered by Motiv’s all-electric EPIC chassis

 [Foster City, Calif. – December 8, 2020] — As fleets nationwide transition to all-electric vehicles for last mile deliveries, Motiv announced the deployment of four all-electric step vans with Alsco, a global uniform service company. These zero-emission step vans are built on Motiv’s EPIC F-59 Ford eQVM-approved chassis and will serve routes in Sacramento and Los Angeles, with dozens more planned for next year. Alsco selected Motiv after successful demonstrations, where Alsco drivers and depot managers were impressed with the Motiv-powered electric trucks’ performance.

Ideal for Alsco’s routes, Motiv’s EPIC F-59 chassis incorporate its mature and proven fifth generation electric powertrain technology, AdaptEV software and BMW battery packs. These all-electric step vans will reduce operation and maintenance costs by up to 85 percent, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle. On an annual basis, the four electric step vans will offset approximately 100 metric tons of CO2 versus diesel-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. They also provide drivers with fatigue reducing features such as hill hold and regenerative braking.

Alsco works to make their processes more sustainable and source products from vendors who prioritize eco-friendly options. By introducing zero-emission all-electric step vans into their fleet, Alsco is taking concrete steps to decrease its carbon footprint in the communities they serve.

“Alsco’s products, by nature, are more sustainable compared to disposables. We promote the use of reusable items, like uniforms, cloth napkins, towels, isolation gowns, and floor mats to our customers,” said Ben Fox, Director of Sales and Marketing, Alsco. “It only makes sense for us to put our delivery drivers in sustainable, efficient, reliable Motiv-powered all-electric step vans.”

 

Alsco Linen and Uniform's Motiv-Powered Step Van

Alsco’s zero-emission step vans are built on Motiv’s EPIC F-59 Ford eQVM-approved chassis with Utilimaster bodies

 

With diverse vehicle applications and a strong customer base, Motiv has become a recognized leader delivering all-electric chassis for commercial trucks and buses. In addition to step vans, Motiv’s EPIC chassis power school buses, shuttle buses, box trucks, mobile medical vehicles, and more.

“We are excited to see Alsco Uniforms diversify their fleets to include zero-emission step vans,” said Matt O’Leary, Motiv’s Chairman and CEO. “As we see more medium-duty fleets choose all-electric options for their last mile delivery efforts, it’s our hope that we will truly see fleets freed from fossil fuels. We applaud Alsco’s long tradition of serving their customers with efficient, innovative, and sustainable technologies and look forward to a successful partnership into 2021.”

 

About Motiv Power Systems

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems is a sustainable technology company delivering EV solutions for medium-duty trucks and buses. Its commitment to freeing fleets from fossil fuels provides fleets a seamless pathway to electrification. Motiv’s proven EV technology is Ford eQVM-approved, CARB-certified, uses high-performance BMW batteries, and is available for many configurations, including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and other specialty vehicles. Motiv has over 100 vehicles on the road, operating at over 99 percent uptime, and more than one million miles logged among several of the largest fleets in North America. Motiv’s adaptable technology solutions offer fleets up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings and provide operators with a healthier, smoother, and quieter driving experience without polluting the communities they serve. For more information and career opportunities, please visit motivtrucks.com.

 

About Alsco

Alsco is a fourth-generation, family-owned-and-operated business, founded in 1889, that was recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the linen and uniform rental industry. Celebrating over 130 years of business, Alsco provides uniform rental services to customers that include restaurants, healthcare facilities, the automotive industry and industrial facilities. With over 180 locations and more than 20,000 employees, Alsco provides world-class service to over 355,000 customers in 14 countries. Learn more at http://www.alsco.com.

 

Media Contact for Motiv:

Joanna Hamblin
Sr. Marketing Manager
Motiv Power Systems
joanna.hamblin@motivps.com
(650) 204-9099

Technica Communications
Sarah Malpeli
(408) 806-9626 ext. 6840
sarah@technicacommunications.com

December 2, 2020

Motiv Power Systems Debuts Fifth-Gen Medium-Duty Electric Chassis

Motiv Power Systems announced its newest generation of Epic chassis for medium-duty electric fleets. The fifth-generation Epic F-59 and E-450 chassis have reduced the total number of components in the electric powertrain by 30%, while also improving range, acceleration, and top speed, according to Motiv.

The new chassis incorporate BMW’s commercially proven, high-performance batteries in a new architecture and include Motiv’s latest release of its AdaptEV software. Motiv notes that the BMW battery packs offer fleets proven road performance, increased reliability, and longer warranties. The battery packs come with a five-year/75,000-mile warranty and are validated with billions of real-world miles in every possible road condition that fleet drivers may encounter.

December 2, 2020

Motiv Power Systems Debuts Fifth Generation Medium-Duty Electric Chassis

 Highly reliable and cost-effective class 4-6 solution available for fleets

 [Foster City, Calif. – December 2, 2020]Motiv Power Systems announced its newest generation of EPIC chassis for medium duty electric fleets. The fifth generation EPIC F-59 and E-450 chassis have reduced the total number of components in the electric powertrain by 30 percent, while also improving range, acceleration, and top speed.

The fifth-generation EPIC chassis incorporate BMW’s commercially-proven, high-performance batteries in a new robust architecture and includes Motiv’s latest release of its AdaptEV software. The BMW battery packs offer fleets proven road performance, increased reliability, and longer warranties. The battery packs come with a five-year / 75K mile warranty and are validated with billions of real-world miles, giving them the added advantage of being exposed to every possible road condition that fleet drivers may encounter.

Motiv’s AdaptEV software offers fleets new features such as hill hold driver assist, two-hour high-speed charging using direct current fast charging (DCFC), telematics, and vehicle to grid (V2G) support capability. Software upgrades are available to fleets via seamless over the air updates. With deployments underway, Motiv is scaling its manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand.

“Falling in line with our mission to free fleets from fossil fuels, our company continues to invest in R&D to bring new technology to market that delivers exceptional results to our fleet customers,” said Motiv Chairman and CEO Matt O’Leary. “Delivering reliable solutions, and continuously improving on these solutions, not only enables fleets to grow their electrification programs at a quicker rate, but also builds lasting customer relationships.”

 

Motiv's 5th Generation EPIC E-450 Chassis

Motiv’s EPIC E-450 chassis in its California Headquarters undergoing validation process

Like all Motiv-powered vehicles currently in the field, the new EPIC chassis are also Ford eQVM-approved and come with a three-year / 50 K mile powertrain warranty. The robust design and full OEM warranty provides reliable coverage for fleet operators. With proven reliability on par with internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, Motiv-powered vehicles offer fleets over 99 percent uptime and up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings compared to ICE vehicles.

 

About Motiv Power Systems

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems is a sustainable technology company delivering EV solutions for medium-duty trucks and buses. Its commitment to freeing fleets from fossil fuels provides fleets a seamless pathway to electrification. Motiv’s proven EV technology is Ford eQVM-approved, CARB-certified, uses high-performance BMW batteries and is available for many configurations, including step vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and other specialty vehicles. Motiv has over 100 vehicles on the road, operating at over 99 percent uptime, and more than one million miles logged among several of the largest fleets in North America. Motiv’s adaptable technology solutions offer fleets up to 85 percent operation and maintenance cost savings and provide operators with a healthier, smoother, and quieter driving experience without polluting the communities they serve. For more information and career opportunities, please visit motivtrucks.com.

Media Contact for Motiv:

Joanna Hamblin
Sr. Marketing Manager
Motiv Power Systems
joanna.hamblin@motivps.com
(650) 204-9099

Technica Communications
Sarah Malpeli
(408) 806-9626 ext. 6840
sarah@technicacommunications.com

 

November 18, 2020

Cutting the Total Cost of Electrification for EV Bus and Truck Fleets

Electric trucks and buses may be approaching cost parity with their fossil-fueled counterparts, and they’re certainly cheaper to fuel over the long run — and that’s not counting their carbon and pollution emissions benefits.

But that’s just a slice of the costs of switching bus and truck fleets from fossil fuels to batteries. Unexpected costs and bottlenecks in charging infrastructure, fleet operations and maintenance, and permitting and financing weigh on cities and states mandating electric bus fleets, as well as private companies with large-scale delivery-truck electrification goals