Orange EV

Orange EV
Company typePrivate
IndustryAutomotive industry, Electric vehicle manufacturing
Founded2012 (2012)
FounderKurt Neutgens, Wayne Mathisen
Headquarters,
United States
ProductsElectric terminal tractors
Websiteorangeev.com

Orange EV is an American manufacturer of electric terminal tractors, also known as yard trucks, based in Kansas City, Kansas. Founded in 2012, the company was the first in the United States to commercially deploy electric terminal trucks, which are used for moving trailers in distribution centers, ports, and rail yards.[1][2]

History

Orange EV was established in 2012 by Kurt Neutgens and Wayne Mathisen in Kansas City, Kansas, to develop zero-emission terminal tractors.[2] The company introduced its first electric yard truck, the T-Series, in 2015, targeting logistics and distribution industries seeking to reduce emissions and fuel costs.[1] By 2016, Orange EV had deployed trucks at major U.S. distribution centers, including those operated by IKEA and Procter & Gamble.[3]

In 2022, Orange EV expanded its manufacturing facility in Kansas City to meet growing demand, supported by federal and state incentives for electric vehicle adoption.[2] The company received the 2023 Clean Energy Business Award from the Kansas City Area Development Council for its contributions to sustainable transportation.[4] As of 2025, Orange EV’s trucks are used by logistics firms like NSSL Global and operate in over 40 U.S. states, with deployments at ports, warehouses, and intermodal facilities.[5]

Products

Orange EV manufactures electric terminal tractors, including the e-TRIEVER and HUSK-e models, designed for short-haul trailer movement in logistics, rail, and port operations.[2] These trucks feature battery-electric powertrains, offering zero tailpipe emissions, reduced maintenance costs, and up to 24 hours of operation per charge.[6] The company’s vehicles are equipped with regenerative braking and telematics for efficiency monitoring, competing with diesel-powered alternatives from manufacturers like Kalmar Industries.[7]

Impact and recognition

Orange EV’s electric yard trucks contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality in logistics hubs, aligning with U.S. clean energy goals.[1] Studies highlight their role in electrifying port and warehouse operations, with deployments noted for reliability and cost savings.[7][8] The company’s innovation has been recognized in industry reports and awards, including its leadership in zero-emission vehicle deployments.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ a b c Rathi, Akshat (August 4, 2022). "The Electrification of Transport Is Happening in Odd and Interesting Places". Bloomberg News. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d Fisher, Josh (January 29, 2024). "Orange EV blossoms in Kansas City". FleetOwner. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Al-Alawi, Baha M.; McLane, Ross; MacDonnell, Owen; Walkowicz, Kevin (January 1, 2022). "Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks" (PDF). CALSTART. pp. 15–16. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Mandra, Jasmina Ovcina (December 23, 2024). "Orange EV ready for the rush". WorldCargo News. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  5. ^ Hinton, Christian (May 4, 2025). "NSSL Expands Orange EV Truck Fleet". The Buzz - Electric Vehicle News. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  6. ^ Morgan, Jason (February 18, 2022). "Electric yard trucks are an EV 'beachhead'". Fleet Equipment Magazine. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Forkin, Ekaterina M.; Paulen, Carter A.; Swierczewski, Matthew J.; Roy, Tanushri; Costello, Timothy D.; Loose, Davis C.; Williams, Joi Y.; Slutzky, David L.; Polmateer, Thomas L.; Jackson, Karen R.; Hendrickson, Daniel C.; Lambert, James H. (April 27, 2023). "Capacity Planning and Investment for Electrification of Maritime Container Ports". 2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. pp. 143–148. doi:10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137908. ISBN 979-8-3503-0064-2.
  8. ^ Mohr, Andreas; Kastner, Marvin; Jahn, Carlos (2023). "Groundbreaking Challenges of Deploying Battery-Electric Terminal Trucks in Container Terminals". Advances in Resilient and Sustainable Transport. Lecture Notes in Logistics. pp. 183–198. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-28236-2_12. ISBN 978-3-031-28196-9.