Today’s EVs are mostly for private transportation, but new developments could mean more utilitarian applications.
Key details
Colorado-based manufacturer Lightning eMotors has made a deal with Canadian GoBolt to make 170 electric delivery vans and box trucks within the next year.
The Canadian company ordered 70 delivery vans and 100 trucks that will be used in the U.S. and Canada. Lightning eMotors currently specializes in retrofitting utility vehicles to turn them into zero-emissions fleets.
Lightning eMotors plans to start delivering the vehicles to GoBolt by 2023. GoBolt’s services include supply-chain logistics, last-mile delivery, and warehousing services.
When completed, the vans and trucks will have a 200-mile range when fully charged. Lightning eMotors also provides charging stations and coordinates with customers to set up convenient charging locations for the delivery vehicles.
Why it’s news
EVs are becoming an increasingly popular option, especially with government tax incentives and new regulations driving consumers toward renewable options.
In the U.S., California recently announced more detailed plans to require all vehicles in the state to be electric by 2035.
California’s decision coincides with President Joe Biden’s recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. The bill included tax credits for car owners switching to electric along with other incentives for Americans to go solar.
California isn’t the only government looking to ban gas-powered vehicles. In fact, they’re a little behind the curve. Europe and some parts of China have plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2030.
European car companies Fiat, Chrysler Europe, and Bentley plan to phase out production of gasoline vehicles in line with Europe’s plans to go electric. General Motors’ schedule has the company set to phase out the vehicles by 2035. Chrysler is on a more accelerated plan, aiming to retire the gas vehicles by 2028. Ford is currently planning on 40% electric vehicle sales by 2030, Fortune reports.
