Blue Arc EV Solutions, a new brand of Novi-based Shyft Group, has announced the first pre-order of 2,000 vehicles for its Blue Arc all-electric Class 3, 4, and 5 walk-in delivery vans. The order was from Randy Marion Automotive Group, one of the largest dealer groups in the Carolinas.
The industry’s first commercial-grade, purpose-built EV chassis, Blue Arc is a fully reimagined from the ground up all-electric Class 3 delivery walk-in van; and has a fully portable, remote-controlled charging station called the Power Cube.
“I am extremely proud of the work the Shyft team has done positioning Blue Arc EV Solutions to meet customer needs,” says Daryl Adams, CEO of Shyft. “From the beginning just 14 short months ago, we’ve been confident in our EV commercial vehicle design because we have served last-mile delivery customers for nearly 50 years.
“We’ve hit all of our critical development milestones, and most recently we’ve validated that our range will meet our customers’ expectations, and this shows not only do we know what they need, we are delivering it.”
With Shyft’s existing coast-to-coast manufacturing and service infrastructure, it is working to deliver EV solutions at scale. Following receipt of government approvals by this winter, Shyft expects to finalize a multi-year purchase order with Randy Marion for the pre-ordered walk-in vans, begin production in the Midwest and start delivery to Randy Marion in mid-2023. Fleet customers will be able to pre-order online or at the dealerships starting in September.
“Our long history working with Shyft through its Utilimaster brand and the overwhelmingly positive response to the Blue Arc Class 3 all-electric delivery walk-in van give us great confidence in the entire Blue Arc line-up, the Class 3 and 4, as well as the Class 5 that is in development now,” says Brad Sigmon, vice president of sales at Randy Marion Automotive Group. “The commercial grade features from Shyft, engineered with first-hand knowledge of last mile delivery, are a true differentiator versus the other EV options.”
Leveraging a scalable design, the full Blue Arc EV portfolio is available in Class 3-5 walk-in van configurations with body length options from 12 to 22 feet. Designed for high-frequency, last-mile delivery fleets, these vehicles are powered by lithium-ion battery packs that can deliver 150-mile range at 50 percent payload in parcel mode with optional extended range packs available.
In addition, multiple chassis wheelbase options at 178, 190, 208, and 230 inches will support different applications. With these options, Shyft customers can maximize productivity and minimize cost of ownership, including fuel and maintenance costs.
Using insights from Shyft’s Work-Driven Design process, these electric vans feature a spacious cargo area and offer a choice of vocational packages specifically designed for functionality. The use of lightweight aluminum and composite body design provide higher durability against scratches and dents while supporting modular repair.
The delivery van also features an integrated solar roof package for power of auxiliary systems like heating and air conditioning, which make it a viable option for extreme weather locations.
With a strong focus on the end user, Blue Arc integrates the latest in proven vehicle and driver safety technology such as 360-degree cameras, large in-dash HD camera displays, and proximity sensors as well as keyless and automated entry. Designed with the driver’s comfort and productivity in mind, the delivery van is easy to drive and offers ease of entry/exit for last-mile deliveries with multi-stop routes.
“It’s not a surprise with our team, that one year ago we were just opening our new Innovation Center in Plymouth (Township) to work on our EV solutions, and now we are making that vision a reality for our customers with pre-orders for not only the Class 3 and 4, but also the Class 5 electric vehicle,” says Eric Fisher, senior vice president and general manager at Shyft Innovations.
