SEA Electric showcases new vehicles to US market

Date: 15.09.2021

Over the past 18 months, the business says it has rapidly established its presence in North America, including relocating its headquarters to LA

SEA Hino M5 EV (box truck)

Since 2012, Australian-founded SEA Electric has been developing its proprietary 100% electric SEA-Drive^® Power System, which is adaptable to most OEM glider chassis, from Class 3 to Class 8.

Over the past 18 months, the business says it has rapidly established its presence in North America, including relocating its headquarters to Los Angeles and working with multiple leading OEM and industry collaborators on significant projects.

This includes partnering with Hino Trucks USA for ‘Project Z’, Hino’s push towards a zero-emissions range of medium and heavy-duty trucks. "We’ve created the ability to upfit 60,000 units per year, with opportunities in trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, and government fleets," says Tony Fairweather, president and founder, SEA Electric.

"Concurrently with our growth in North America, we’ve experienced remarkable global expansion, including throughout Asia, the Pacific, and now into Europe, with a range of projects ongoing with a variety of automotive leaders."

The company says it brings to the market a proven solution and track record, with over a million miles of real-world use to date and extensive strategic partner backing, most recently with Tier 1 supplier Meritor, which will drive momentum forward ultimately to a planned IPO.

"Over the past 18 months, we’ve grown our presence in the US, with a strong leadership group at the head of a 50 plus strong team," says Mike Menyhart, SEA Electric president—Americas and chief strategy officer.

One of the most exciting innovations is an in-house developed all-electric alternative for the Ford Step Van Class 6 (SV6) platform, which the company says has massive potential in the delivery space.

SEA Hino M5 EV (chassis)

Alongside the  SV6 chassis is a SEA Hino M5 EV chassis, a SEA Hino M5 EV (Staples box truck), and a SEA SV6 EV (FedEx Ground step van). All four examples will be powered by the SEA-Drive 120a, which is specified for cab/chassis platforms with a GVWR of 13,000lbs to 18,000lbs (Class 3–5), complete with a 1106lb-ft electric motor. 

The 138kWh battery pack on the vehicles delivers what’s said to be a class-leading unladen range of up to 200 miles and a typical break-even period of fewer than four years, without applicable grants and subsidies. 

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