Atlanta-based Navistar, a maker of commercial vehicles, has announced its new Detroit-based business, Next eMobility Solutions. It will deliver customized electrification in the truck and school bus markets.
“Next will combine the lean and agile approach of a start-up with the proven engineering and manufacturing capabilities of Navistar,” says Persio Lisboa, executive vice president and COO of Navistar. “The team is well positioned to deliver rapid, customer-focused innovations in the eMobility space.”
Vehicles created by Next will be offered under the International Truck and IC Bus nameplates (both Navistar companies) and sold by International Truck and IC Bus dealers. Navistar and Next plan to deliver IC electric buses at the end of 2020 and introduce International medium-duty electric trucks in early 2021.
“Next combines the technical expertise required to develop leading electric vehicles with the industry experience to deliver custom solutions that go beyond the vehicle,” says Lisboa.
Gary Horvat, Navistar’s president for eMobility, will lead the Next team. He has experience from both automotive and technology startups. Previously, Horvat led the technology development for the electric product line at Proterra Inc.
Furthermore, at Denso International, Horvat was responsible for the development and application of powertrain and electrical components. Before Denso, he worked at Fisker Automotive, where he improved their extended-range electric vehicle.
Currently, until Oct. 31, at the North American Commercial show in Atlanta, Next is exhibiting eMV, a prototype electric version of the International MV Series medium-duty truck.
The International eMV Series is based on the diesel-powered International MV Series’ production version. The truck includes a redesigned aerodynamic hood for improved visibility and an electric motor with peak power of over 474 kilowatts, or 645 horsepower.
With its peak power, the electric motor allows the truck to pull any load required. The continuous power is 300 killowatts, or more than 400 horsepower. In addition, it is designed to accommodate multiple battery capacity options that range from 107 to 321 kilowatt hours.
