Navistar Launches eMobility Business

Navistar announced the launch of a new business unit at the North American Commercial Vehicle show. NEXT eMobility Solutions is dedicated to deliver customized electrification solutions in the truck and school bus markets.

“Companies interested in operating electric trucks have more questions than answers; they are looking for a partner who also brings clarity,” said Persio Lisboa, Navistar executive vice president and chief operating officer. “NEXT combines the technical expertise required to develop leading electric vehicles with the industry experience to deliver custom solutions that go beyond the vehicle.”

Vehicles developed by NEXT will be offered under the International Truck and IC Bus nameplates and will be sold and supported by International Truck and IC Bus dealers. Using NEXT as a catalyst for implementation, Navistar plans to have IC Bus electric school buses available at the end of 2020, while International medium-duty electric trucks will be introduced in early 2021.

Gary Horvat, Navistar’s vice president for eMobility will lead the NEXT team . He brings extensive electric vehicle experience from both the automotive and technology startup space. Horvat led technology development for the electric bus product line of Proterra, Inc., where his team set a world record for the longest range of any electric vehicle. He was also responsible for the development and application of powertrain and electrical components at Denso International, and before that, led improvements to Fisker Automotive’s extended-range electric vehicle.

The NEXT business unit will be based in the Detroit area. “NEXT will combine the lean and agile approach of a start-up with the proven engineering and manufacturing capabilities of Navistar,” Lisboa said. “The team is well positioned to deliver rapid, customer-focused innovations in the eMobility space.”

NEXT eMobility Solutions displayed its prototype electric version of the International MV Series medium-duty vehicle, the eMV, at the International Truck booth at the North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta. The International eMV Series concept is based on the production version of diesel-powered the International MV Series.

The truck incorporates a redesigned aerodynamic hood for superior visibility and is powered by an electric motor with peak power of over 474 kW (645 hp) and continuous power of 300 kW. The vehicle was designed to accommodate multiple battery capacity options that range from 107 to 321 kWh. Navistar believes customers operating a truck with a 321 kWh battery in typical, pickup and delivery cycles should expect to be able to travel up to 250 miles on a single charge.