Billed as "Software-as-a-service", 'OpenZEVX' is targeted to operators of commercial electric vehicles and is available on a subscription basis.

The American retrofit firm raised over USD20m in the first tranche of a funding round led by Texas-based Reynolds Capital, the investment arm of dealership software firm The Reynolds and Reynolds Company.

The Executive Order concerning the conversion of vehicles to "alternative fuel retrofit systems" means that ZEVx can begin retrofitting Sprinter vans with its 'Athena' e-powertrain kit.

The battery cell manufacturer has acquired a 4.22% stake in the electrification specialist, with whom KORE Power signed a partnership agreement for joint battery management development and battery cell supply last year. 

Industrial automation specialist Rockwell will be providing the electrification specialist with augmented reality products that will expedite training and assistance provision to ZEVx's service partners.

Amerit will become an Authorized Service Partner of ZEV, meaning that its staff will be trained and certified to carry out vehicle conversions on Class 2-4 commercial vehicles across the USA.

The two companies will work together to develop a battery cell passive thermal management system which will conserve power and optimise battery performance.

The 103,000 sq ft facility in Gilbert, Arizona will be primarily dedicated to the electrification of light- and medium-duty vehicles.