GREENSBORO – Matthews Specialty Vehicles will partner with a California firm to develop, convert, and deliver battery-powered and range-extended electric buses, specialty vehicles, and trucks.

Wrightspeed is the partner in the teaming agreement with the Greensboro-headquartered firm.

Together, the companies aim to produce 5,000 vehicles in the next five years.

The two companies are currently working together to fill the first order for 30 tactical mobile detection system vehicles for client Allen Global Enterprises, they said in a statement.

“Matthews is the premier specialty vehicle and bus manufacturer with an unparalleled reputation for safety and reliability,” said Alan Dowdell, vice president of business development at Wrightspeed. “We are proud to team up with Matthews and set a new standard in performance and efficiency for electric commercial vehicles and buses.”

According to the companies, their vehicles will combine technology that enables high performance and high efficiency.

The company said that its vehicles, up to Class 7, will operate on full battery electric power, and include on-board range extenders.

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“Wrightspeed’s medium and heavy-duty powertrains are a great fit for Matthews vehicles,” said Dennis Hoag, vice president of sales and marketing at Matthews Specialty Vehicles in a statement. “The full solution and modularity will help accelerate our entrance into the electric vehicle space. Wrightspeed is a great partner for Matthews and for our customers.”

According to the companies, the Matthews vehicles under production for Allen Global Enterprises will have gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 53,000 lbs., range up to 500 miles, and gradeability of over 35 percent.

The vehicle powertrains will be manufactured in Wrightspeed’s 110,000 square foot in Alameda, CA, then installed in a Matthews facility, either in Greensboro or in upstate New York, the companies stated.  Pre-orders for specialty vehicles and for school buses are being accepted by the company.

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