SEA Electric announces massive EV deal

The deal for 1150 electric trucks to be delivered to GATR EV (a division of GATR Truck Centers), the zero-emissions trucks are based on the Hino 500 Series and will feature the SEA-Drive Power System.

The SEA Electric offering of battery-electric systems is adaptable to most OEM glider chassis platforms, from light-duty through to heavy-duty Class 8 trucks.

Interestingly, the GATR deal comes from state in the U.S. where incentives for electric or zero-emission vehicles are not offered. Many states, most notably California, offer big incentives for companies or operators who buy zero-emission commercial vehicles.

“This is our first four-digit order, and it comes in a non-incentive state, which proves that commercial EV solutions can expand in areas with no incentives, while all corners of the market are seeking premium EV solutions,” said Nick Casas, SEA Electric Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

“GATR should be congratulated for being at the forefront of EV supply and being capable of servicing the needs of large fleets immediately.

“GATR has a partnership with Merchants Fleet, which will benefit the end-user, who will not only be able to access an electric solution straight away, but will be able to transact with one of the most respected leasing companies in the USA.”

The deal enhances Merchants’ commitment to the acceleration of fleet electrification throughout North America. As the nation’s fastest growing fleet management company, Merchants Fleet has committed more than $2B toward having 50% of its mobility fleet electric by 2025 and 50% of its clients’ fleet electric by 2030.

SEA Electric was founded in Australia in 2012, creating its proprietary electric power-system technology known as SEA-Drive.

Now headquartered in Los Angeles, SEA Electric has been making major waves in the North American market over the past 18 months, establishing a network of technology partners, plus collaborations with leading OEMs.

The first 40 vehicles of the GATR deal are expected to be delivered by the end of December 2021, with the remaining vehicles to be delivered throughout 2022.

Related reading:
SEA Electric: Review
Car-licence SEA Electric truck hits the road
NTI to offer roadside assistance for SEA Electric

“GATR EV is excited to be at the forefront of launching electric vehicles into the transportation industry,” said Jay Klemp, Director of Sales at GATR EV (a division of GATR Truck Centers).

“Because of this strategic partnership, we can build enough quantity of these Hino trucks to provide demonstration vehicles, and also solutions to our future fleet partners.”