Tearing for EV a Bigger Morsel of the Truck Market

ZM Trucks has officially launched to become North America’s newest zero-emissions commercial truck brand. To start things off, the company will introduce five models in the Class 4, 5, 6 and “baby8” segments, all expected to go on sale before the end of 2024. According to certain reports, each model will be optimized for local market needs and will be assembled in North America using market-proven platforms that have already clocked millions of real-world driving miles, Such a setup should, on its part, enable the creation of purpose-built, zero-emission work trucks that offer total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) advantages versus traditional diesel trucks. More on the same would reveal how ZM trucks are specifically conceived to deliver cost-efficient charging. This they will do through battery with powerful 20 kW AC charging solutions, alongside standard DC charging options. There is also a standard 220v/100a circuit which will allow for overnight charging. Anyway, moving on, the trucks are understood to be designed using clean back-of-cab and chassis rails, enabling efficient and easy upfit solutions. Markedly enough, owing to dual electric Power Takeoffs (ePTOs) on all cab/chassis platforms, ZM Trucks arrive on the scene as ready to navigate a diverse set of driving challenges.

Next up, we must get into ZM Trucks providing comprehensive purchase support to help customers not only with initial paperwork required for accessing State incentives, but the company also guides you trough with the ongoing reporting mandates. Such a detail ensures maximum retention of funds during the transition from diesel-powered trucks to zero-emission solutions. Apart from that, ZM Trucks will also offer services like diagnostics, parts support, and a cloud-based fleet management system designed to optimize drivers and routes with an overarching focus on reducing cost-per-mile. Talk about the ZM’s initial batch of tracks on a slightly deeper level, we begin from ZM4, which is a Class 4 Battery Electric Van with a unibody design, high payload, and a 132 kWh HV battery. At launch, this model is likely to have a range of around 150 mi / 242 km, a payload capacity of 5,730 lbs. / 2,600 kg, and a cargo space stretching across an estimated 497 cu ft / 14 m³. Customers who buy this model can also expect to charge their vehicle from 20% to 100% in no more than 5.5 hours.

The second model we must get into is ZM8. As a Class 6 Battery Electric Vehicle, ZM8 comes bearing the industry’s largest cab with a flat floor, almost 80 inches of roof height, and the most powerful drivetrain in its class. Other specific features of this model include range worth 160 mi / 260 km, payload capacity worth 12,900 lbs. / 5,850 kg, a 200 kW E-Axle with In-Frame 132 kWh HV Battery, as well as ePTO of 15 kW + 30 kW.

Then, there is ZM8 FCEV, which is a market proven Class 6 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle with over 2,500,000 miles already under its belt. This one’s range settles around 186 mi / 300 km, with a payload capacity of 13,560 lbs. / 6,150 kg, and a fuel cell power worth 110 kW. The vehicle also has hydrogen storage of around 26 lbs. / 12 kg. Among other models, we have ZM22. This one offers ground-up EV chassis designed with 264 kWh in-frame HV batteries and a 2-speed, dual motor e-Axle capable of 500 kW peak power. Finally, ZM Trucks will launch a ZM22 FCEV model, and in that, it will deliver the same proven e-Axle as the battery electric ZM22, along with a 60 kWh in-frame HV battery.

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