Orange EV marked the grand opening of its expansive 440,000 sq ft headquarters and production facility with a ribbon-cutting event. The occasion drew attendees such as customers, local stakeholders, supporters, and notable figures, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Lieutenant Governor David Toland, and Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Pro Tem Tom Borroughs.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed enthusiasm about Orange EV’s investment of over $37 million, creating 185 jobs in Kansas City, and benefiting families in Wyandotte County. She highlighted the state’s growing presence in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery sector, with both Panasonic and Orange EV contributing to a promising future for transportation.
Founded in 2012, Orange EV initially operated in a 2,000 sq ft facility, witnessing substantial growth and expansion to 440,000 sq ft. This growth mirrors the transportation industry’s increasing acceptance of heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs).
The advantages of Orange EV’s electric yard trucks over diesel counterparts are evident in three key areas:
- Cost savings: Electric trucks offer up to 90% savings on fuel costs compared to diesel, with electricity being more cost-effective.
- Operational efficiency: Yard trucks, stationed on-site, can easily charge during breaks, reducing fueling downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Driver comfort and safety: Orange EV’s zero-emission vehicles provide a smoother, quieter operation, better climate control in the cab, and improved safety features, making them a preferred choice for drivers.
Having deployed over 1,000 heavy-duty electric trucks across 36 states, Orange EV leads the transition to electric yard trucks, as highlighted in the CALSTART report. The company attributes its success to a commitment to its core mission and values, focusing on continuous improvement and environmental sustainability.
Kurt Neutgens, Orange EV co-founder, President, and CTO, emphasized their trucks’ exceptional uptime and environmental benefits. The company’s Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks not only contributes to a healthier planet but also results in significant cost savings for businesses.
Orange EV prioritizes a direct customer experience by eliminating intermediaries. Wayne Mathisen, Orange EV co-founder and CEO, emphasized the efficiency of their customer-centric ecosystem, where the company designs, manufactures, sells, and services its trucks, chargers, and battery packs. This streamlined approach enables Orange EV to deliver trucks and chargers within approximately 90 days from order.
With a production capacity exceeding 200 trucks per month, Orange EV’s new facility is well-equipped to meet the rising demand for e-TRIEVER electric yard trucks and the new HUSK-e trucks designed for demanding port and rail operations. These trucks can handle loads up to 180,000 lbs at speeds up to 32 mph, catering to the evolving needs of the industry.
About Orange EV
Orange EV, headquartered in Kansas City, KS, is the leading OEM providing industrial fleets with heavy-duty, electric vehicle solutions proven to save money while being safer, more reliable, and preferred by drivers and management. Orange EV trucks meet the most rigorous duty cycles and 24/7 shift schedules while eliminating diesel fuel and emissions. Building both new and re-powered terminal trucks, Orange EV was the nation’s first manufacturer offering 100 percent electric Class 8 vehicles to be commercially deployed and scaled. Since first commercially deployed in 2015, Orange EV’s terminal trucks have been chosen by more than 230 fleets across 36 states, Canada, and the Caribbean, surpassing 12.8 million miles and 4.4 million hours of operation. For more information, please visit www.orangeev.com.