The group has signed distribution agreements with two truck-trailer dealers, Ascendance Trucks LLC of Boca Raton, Florida and Allegiance Trucks LLC of Stamford, Connecticut.

The zero-emissions truck is produced under contract at the manufacturing facility of Spartan Motors Corporation* in Charlotte, Michigan, USA,

Japanese manufacturer Isuzu’s latest N-Series truck, the ‘NRR-EV’, will be assembled by Builtmore in Charlotte, Michigan and delivered to customers from this month onwards.

Shyft says the acquisition will allow it to enter new markets and “capture a greater share of higher class-sized products”, particularly larger vehicles and complex service body upfitting.

Speaking with T&BB at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Eric Fisher, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Blue Arc, said that the group tried first of all to partner with various body builder partners and promising startups before eventually deciding to chart its own course.

According to Shyft, the vehicle was able to operate on extended 8-10 hour routes under “challenging conditions” during pilot testing, including high temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

‘Ford Pro Upfitter’ is the automotive manufacturer’s new accreditation programme, replacing its ‘Qualified Vehicle Modifier’ system.

Adams will remain with the company for a further six months as an advisor.

Shyft will commence customer deliveries of Blue Arc vehicles next year. 

The truck cab is uniquely designed in the style of a walk-in van, with a sliding door and weather-proof steps for entry and exit and an interior measuring 85 inches in height and 88.5 inches in width.

Although it made more in sales, Shyft took less income in 2022: its adjusted net income for the year was USD44.5m, a 40% drop from the year before.

The USD16m will be spent on expanding and upgrading its manufacturing facilities located in Charlotte, Michigan to allow for the series production of Class 3-5 electric vehicles.