ZM Trucks announces new electric truck factory in California

Calling itself “America’s newest zero-emission commercial truck brand,” ZM Trucks has announced a new, 210,000 square foot facility in Fontana, California that will also serve as the company’s new global headquarters.

Designed by Asian OEM ZO Motors, the ZM brand of all electric commercial trucks is arguably most notable for being the home of ex-Tesla and Fisker exec and DeLorean CEO Joost de Vries, whose personal tagline, “the future was never promised,” has inspired more than a few electrification evangelists in recent years.

For his part, Mr. de Vries seems to be having some success with the fledgling EV truck brand, having scored a 900-unit initial order from 32Group at last year’s ACT Expo in May.

“Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors’ commitment to the U.S. market and sustainable innovation,” offered de Vries. “This expansion allows us to deliver zero-emission solutions that lower total cost of ownership and drive long-term value for our customers.”

The majority of those 900 units are expected to be built at the new, 210,000 square foot Fontana facility, with production slated to begin in the first half of this year. Once the facility is fully built out, ZM Trucks claims the plant will be able to churn out up to 100,000 medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles per year.

ZM Trucks will eventually offer a full lineup of EVs in the North American market, from the Class 3 ZM4 cargo van (think of a big eSprinter or Ford Transit 3500 competitor) all the way up to the ZM T70 Class 8 terminal tractor with an absolutely massive 154,000 lb. GVWR (think Orange EV e-triever or Volvo/Mol RoRo).

Electrek’s Take

There is much digital ink being spent on California backing off its electric truck goals, Trump eliminating fake EV mandates, and other such distractions. The reality is that the math maths as it maths, and in those use cases where battery-electric vehicles offer superior TCO and reduced downtime compared to diesel, smart fleet operators will do what they always have: whatever makes cents.

SOURCE | IMAGES: ZM Trucks.