Commercial Electric Vehicles have opened Upfitters to new innovations focused on lightweighting traditional upfits to balance fleet efficiency, minimize excess weight and maximize payload without sacrificing cargo organization or driver ease of access. Mullen Commercial Electric Vehicles, including the Mullen ONE Cargo Van and the versatile Mullen THREE Low Cab Forward, are purpose built to meet the vocational demands of fleets. As part of its product launch, Mullen has worked with leading upfitters to ensure fleets have a wide range of upfits using aluminum and other composite materials to maximize available payload. “With the adoption of commercial electric vehicles, selecting the right upfit for your business is more important than ever, “ said Kenneth Joye, Mullen’s upfitter integration manager, “we are excited by the upfits that our partners have created that maximize payload and functionality.”
Traditionally, upfits were manufactured from materials like steel and other metals with high mass. With the excess weight electric vehicles incur from high-voltage battery components, these traditional upfits typically limit available payload. Mullen is working with several upfitters including Adrian Steel, Havis, Knapheide Masterack, Morgan, Safefleet and ToughLite to design upfits using aluminum and other composite materials to maximize available payload. Below are some examples:
All ELECTRIC MULLEN ONE, CLASS ONE CARGO VAN
The Mullen ONE, an all-electric Class 1 cargo van, is the first of its kind in the U.S. market. Assembled in Mullen’s 120,000 square foot facility in Mississippi, the Mullen ONE launched in October and is available for purchase now. With 157 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 20 percent more than its competitors, the Mullen ONE is designed to navigate within narrow urban streets and residential roads, all while maximizing its 1,683 lbs. of payload.
With the assistance of Mullen’s Upfitter Integration Team, several upfitters have developed solutions to work well with the Mullen ONE:
Adrian Steel – Bulkhead Partition
A barrier that separates the cargo area from the cab area and protects occupants in the cab from shifting cargo when the vehicle is in operation. The bulkhead can also be combined with lightweight shelving for a more efficient storage of cargo.
Havis – Pedestal Mount
A rugged, professional-grade computer mount designed to provide a safe environment for the operator when working on a jobsite. The Havis mount is the perfect balance of convenience, safety, & strength in a package that mounts securely to the floor of the Mullen ONE.
ALL ELECTRIC MULLEN THREE, CLASS THREE LOW CAB FORWARD
The Mullen THREE, an all-electric Class 3 low cab forward, features a tight turning radius and excellent visibility. This versatile chassis provides a clean top-of-rail for easy upfitting with bodies up to 14 feet long and over 5,300 lbs. of payload.
Leading upfitters have developed innovative lightweight upfits specifically designed for the Mullen THREE chassis:
Knapheide – Aluminum Combo Body
By combining the practicality and versatility of the ever-popular Service Body and Platform Body, Knapheide’s 14' Combo Body is an ideal solution for the needs of virtually any vocational job. Made with lightweight materials, this upfit maximizes cargo capacity while keeping your equipment organized.
ToughLite – Truck Body
This lightweight engineered van body with smooth exterior panels and kit construction makes an easy install option for last mile delivery. The lightweight composite materials used in the construction of ToughLite body ensure cargo capacity and maximize productivity.
UPFITTER READINESS
Mullen Commercial's Upfitter Integration and Engineering teams are constantly collaborating with upfitters and fleets to develop unique lightweight upfits to maximize cargo capacity. Mullen’s team is available to provide support with body builder guides, schematics, math data, technical assistance, and more. Whether installing a stake body, partition, van body, flat bed, or a new, custom upfit, Mullen is here to facilitate connections between dealers, upfitters, suppliers, and customers. Mullen strives to make fleets transition to commercial electric vehicles seamless, efficient and economical.
SERVICEABILITY
Mullen’s Commercial product line is supported with a global service network, mobile technicians, and on-demand maintenance services. Mullen’s national commercial vehicle service provider, Amerit Fleet, is available in all 50 states with brick-and-mortar locations and mobile service opportunities.
ABOUT MULLEN
Mullen Automotive is an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Brea, California, with an engineering center in Troy, MI and manufacturing in Tunica, MS and Mishawaka, IN.
In 2022, Mullen launched its commercial all electric product lines defining a new era for zero emission vehicles that meet the demands of fleets and offer low total cost of ownership without sacrificing performance. Both the Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE have meet all FMVSS requirements and are EPA and CARB certified. Both vehicles are available nationwide via Mullen’s dealer partner, Randy Marion Automotive Group in Mooresville, NC.
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