US-based electric vehicle (EV) and energy technology developer Chanje emerged from stealth yesterday with “nearly” $1bn in funding from investors including EV and battery producer FDG Electric Vehicles.
Chanje is working on an all-electric commercial panel van slated for release later this year that would be the first to be commercially mass produced in the US. It was co-founded by FDG, which has also licensed technology to the company.
In addition to its forthcoming EV, Chanje also intends to offer renewable energy and charging services to large trucking fleets through a network of microgrid depots that will also supply smart grid services.
Bryan Hansel, Chanje’s chief executive, said: “The future of transportation is zero-emission, we expect commercial electric vehicles to become the norm soon.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Chanje because no one else in the marketplace can meet a fleet customer’s demand for delivery of large numbers of high quality, commercial electric vehicles.”
The identity of Chanje’s other partners has not been disclosed but it said yesterday it will shortly announce a major service, parts and distribution partnership agreement in the US.
Chanje plans to follow the launch of its first vehicle by expanding into developing and manufacturing larger all-electric trucks and shuttle buses. They will all make use of telematics technology and will be equipped with apps and touchscreens.
Hansel added: “We have an opportunity to meaningfully overhaul the last mile industry and completely revolutionise how that facet of transportation impacts the environment.
“Medium duty electric trucks offer the biggest emissions saving potential of all vehicles because our products fit best where they are needed the most – in highly populated, dense urban centres where noise and air quality are a major concern.”
– Photo courtesy of Chanje Energy