Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging EV (electric vehicle) manufacturer, has announced it is working with Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment to develop a lightweight Class 3 EV truck body for the Mullen THREE all-electric tilt cab.
Accordingly, Phenix will develop a unique, lightweight body configuration designed to satisfy the needs of Class 3 service body truck fleets and provide an EV alternative to ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. Upon upfit completion, the Class 3 vehicle will be made available to Phenix commercial fleet customers for evaluation and pilot programs.
Phenix is one of California's largest work truck, van equipment, and specialty truck body manufacturers. For 45 years, the company has designed and manufactured custom work trucks and fire apparatus for the most selective customers. Long-term customers include: Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, Los Angeles County Fire Department, San Diego Gas & Electric, USDA-Forest Service, and the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.
Mullen is a southern California-based automotive company in the process of building the next generation of electric vehicles that will be manufactured in its two United States-based assembly plants. Its portfolio includes the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, Mullen I-GO Commercial Urban Delivery EV, Mullen Commercial Class 1-3 EVs, and Bollinger Motors, which features both the B1 and B2 electric SUV trucks and Class 4-6 commercial offerings.
In September 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen Automotive, now with all assets, including Bollinger’s 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.
The Mullen THREE features a tight turning diameter of 38 feet and excellent visibility for superior maneuverability on narrow city streets. Its versatile chassis provides a clean top-of-rail for easy upfitting with bodies up to 14 feet in length and over 5,800 lbs of payload.
“Since revealing our Mullen THREE all-electric tilt cab in March, we have had very positive feedback and strong interest,” said John Schwegman, the Chief Commercial Officer with Mullen. “With availability later this year, we are excited to have fleet customers begin piloting our Class 3 product and experience how an all-electric truck can work in their fleet of vehicles.”
Added David Michery, Mullen’s Chief Executive Officer: “Phenix, in its 45-year history, has outfitted vehicles for some of the largest commercial public utility customers in the western US, with a focus on Southern California. Having the opportunity to add our commercial EVs into the mix with Phenix and their large fleet business is a great step forward for our commercial business.”
Pre-production units of the Mullen THREE are available nationally for customer demos and test drives. Fleets, municipalities, and small businesses can request a demo of Mullen’s commercial vehicles here.
Production of the Mullen THREE will take place at Mullen’s manufacturing facility in Tunica, Mississippi, with deliveries expected in August and September 2023.
To learn more about Phenix, visit www.Phenixent.com.
To learn more about Mullen, go to www.MullenUSA.com.