USA – Readers may recall that, two years ago, we published a feature on TCCI Manufacturing, explaining why the longstanding Midwest supplier of compressors had decided to invest in a new facility on its home turf in Decatur, Illinois. In that article, Richard and Kara Demirjian outlined their plan to open a 260,000-square-foot “Clean Energy Innovation Hub” comprised of three facilities: a plant dedicated to the production of compressors for electric vehicles; a whole-vehicle test centre; and an academy to train the next generation of EV technicians. The innovation hub was officially unveiled by the governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, at the end of April 2025, and so Truck & Bus Builder used the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (held in Anaheim between 28 April and 1 May) to get an update on TCCI’s newest investment.

The company has already launched production of its first line of compressors at the innovation hub: a 400-volt electric compressor rated at 8½ kilowatts. This line is especially suited for specialty vehicles, last-mile operations, and smaller construction vehicles, Richard told T&BB. From early next year, the portfolio will be expanded to two 850-volt products, rated at 11 and 14 kilowatts. The 11 kW will be targeted at medium- and heavy-duty trucks, whereas the 14 kW will be better suited to the heating and ventilation demands of transit buses, in addition to large mining vehicles. Their voltage ratings anticipate the transition from low- to high-voltage architectures in the electric vehicle segment.