What are the Key Features of the International eMV Series?

You’re approaching a residential delivery in an International eMV Series, and instead of the familiar diesel clatter, there’s only the quiet hum of electric power—neighbors don’t glance up from their yards, and the crew in the bucket overhead can actually hear each other speak as they work.

For fleet managers and business owners ready to embrace electrification, the International eMV Series represents a compelling bridge between proven commercial truck engineering and zero-emission technology. Built on the same trusted foundation as the diesel MV Series, the eMV delivers the capability you expect with operating costs you might not . Whether you’re running a municipal utility fleet, a refrigerated delivery operation, or a landscaping business serving eco-conscious communities, understanding what makes this electric medium-duty truck tick is essential for making a smart investment.

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Key Takeaways

Proven Foundation: The eMV shares its rugged chassis and cab construction with the diesel MV Series, meaning it’s built to the same commercial-grade standards .
135-Mile Range: With a typical range of 135 miles per charge, the eMV is purpose-built for predictable local and regional routes .
ePTO and ePower Options: Factory-installed electric power take-off systems allow the truck to power hydraulic equipment or refrigeration units directly from the battery pack .
Dramatically Lower Maintenance: No oil changes, no fuel filters, no aftertreatment systems—just substantially fewer moving parts to maintain .
Comprehensive Support: International’s NEXT eMobility Solutions team provides end-to-end consulting, charging infrastructure assistance, and fleet onboarding .

Understanding the International eMV Series: Electric Power Meets Commercial Durability

The International eMV Series isn’t an experiment or a niche product—it’s a purpose-built electric truck designed for real-world work. Available as a Class 6 or 7 vehicle with GVWRs from 25,999 to 33,000 pounds, the eMV targets the same medium-duty applications that have made the MV Series a trusted name for decades .

The Heart of the System: Battery and Motor

At the core of every eMV is a 210 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with approximately 189 kWh of usable capacity . LFP chemistry offers distinct advantages for commercial applications: it’s inherently stable, provides excellent cycle life, and doesn’t rely on conflict minerals. The batteries are packaged between the frame rails for protection and come with a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty .

Power flows to a Dana electric motor that delivers impressive numbers:

Specification	Value
Peak Horsepower	342 hp
Peak Torque	1,737 lb.-ft.
Continuous Torque	730 lb.-ft.
Typical Range	135 miles
Battery Capacity	210 kWh LFP
Operating Voltage	609V nominal

Acceleration is equal to or better than comparable diesel trucks, meaning drivers won’t feel like they’re sacrificing performance for sustainability .

The Evolution of Electric Commercial Trucks

The eMV didn’t appear overnight. It’s the result of decades of commercial truck evolution meeting modern battery technology.

Early 2000s – Hybrid trucks appear in utility fleets, offering limited electric operation and regenerative braking capabilities.
2010-2015 – Early electric straight trucks emerge, often with limited range and custom-built components. Range anxiety and charging infrastructure remain significant barriers.
2016-2018 – Battery costs begin falling dramatically. Major OEMs announce electric truck development programs.
2019 – International announces the eMV Series, leveraging the proven MV platform .
2021 – Production begins, with eMV trucks rolling out to fleets across North America .
2023 – eMV customers collectively log over two million electric miles, demonstrating real-world reliability .
2024-2025 – Factory-installed ePTO and ePower options become standard, expanding vocational applications .

Factory-Installed Power Options: Where the eMV Really Shines

One of the most innovative aspects of the eMV Series is its ability to power vocational equipment directly from the propulsion battery. This isn’t an afterthought—it’s engineering designed from the ground up.

ePTO: Power for Hydraulic Equipment

The ePTO system provides high-voltage power for equipment like bucket trucks, cranes, and dump bodies . Instead of a noisy, emissions-producing diesel engine running a hydraulic pump, the ePTO draws electricity directly from the truck’s battery pack.

For utility crews, this is transformative. Workers in an aerial bucket can communicate easily with those on the ground without shouting over an idling diesel. Residential neighborhoods experience less noise disturbance during repairs. And crews aren’t breathing exhaust fumes while working near the truck .

The ePTO system features:

Single high-voltage connection
609V nominal operating voltage
Amphenol Powerlok Gen2 connector
Typical applications: utility, dump, crane

ePower: Continuous Power for Refrigeration

The ePower system is designed for operations that require continuous energy, such as refrigerated delivery . Transport refrigeration units can plug directly into the truck’s battery, enabling zero-emission cold chain delivery.

Now food and other perishables can be delivered locally without emissions—and without an auxiliary diesel generator running day and night .

The ePower system features:

Dual connectors providing 13.5-14.2 kW continuous power each
Fused peak power of 19.7 kW
Typical applications: refrigerator, shredder

“How much power do you need for how long?” is the question International’s team asks bodybuilders during the spec’ing process, ensuring the truck is matched precisely to the application .

Real-World Impact: Terex eBucket Truck on eMV Chassis

A compelling example of the eMV’s versatility comes from Enwin Utilities in Windsor, Ontario. The utility added a Terex electric bucket truck built on an International eMV Series chassis—the first of its kind in Canada .

The truck combines a Class 7 eMV with a Terex Optima 55-foot aerial device and HyPower SmartPTO system. The result is a fully electrified utility vehicle that can do everything its diesel counterparts can, but with significant improvements:

Quieter operation allows crews to communicate easily during repairs
Reduced community noise when working in residential backyards
No diesel exhaust exposure for workers near the truck
Comparable cost to a similarly equipped diesel version

“It’s very quiet,” said Gary Rossi, president and CEO of Enwin Utilities. “It allows our crews to communicate better. It’s not as loud in the community when they’re doing repairs in someone’s backyard” .

Charging: Making It Work for Your Operation

International understands that buying an electric truck means buying into an entire ecosystem. That’s why the eMV comes with both AC and DC charging capabilities as standard .

Charging Options

Charger Type	Typical Use	Power Output	Charge Time
Level 2 AC	Overnight charging at depot	19.2 kW	Overnight
DC Fast Charge	Opportunity charging during breaks	Up to 125 kW	Under 2 hours

The charge port location was updated based on customer feedback and is now positioned under the door where the battery box would be, aligning with the familiar design of internal combustion vehicles . The battery box also includes a 12-volt disconnect, streamlining electrical management.

Opportunity charging—plugging in during driver breaks or loading/unloading—can extend operational range significantly. By maximizing charging opportunities throughout the day, fleets can keep trucks running longer without extended downtime .

Maintenance: What You Won’t Be Doing

For fleet managers tired of the endless maintenance cycle demanded by diesel trucks, the eMV offers a compelling proposition. With substantially fewer moving parts, electric vehicles simply don’t require the same level of service .

Services You Can Remove From Your Plate:

No engine oil changes
No transmission maintenance
No fuel filters to replace
No turbochargers, EGR systems, or injectors to fail
No engine air filters or MAF sensors
No aftertreatment systems (no DEF, no DPF regeneration)

Plus, thanks to three levels of regenerative braking, the standard foundation brakes last much longer between service intervals. The regenerative system captures energy during deceleration, extending range while reducing brake wear .

Safety and Durability: Built to International Standards

The eMV shares the same rugged cab construction as its diesel sibling—what International calls the “Steel Sanctuary” . The cab wraps crews in high-strength, low-alloy reinforced steel that combines corrosion resistance with exceptional strength.

Corrosion Protection That Goes Deep

International doesn’t mess around when it comes to preventing rust. The corrosion protection process includes:

Stamped steel with 60G/60G dual-sided galvanized coating on dash, toe, and floor panels
Custom-engineered cleaning and prep formula
Proprietary tri-metal phosphate blend for robust corrosion protection
Epoxy-based electrodeposition primer (e-coat) covering the entire exposed metal surface
Acrylic basecoat and urethane clear coat

InterCoat® ChemGuard provides a self-healing layer on galvanized steel. Surface cuts, scratches, and perforations maintain corrosion protection thanks to the coating’s self-rejuvenating properties .

Optional spray-on polyurethane/polyurea floor protection creates a protective tray that contains spills, melted snow, and anything else that makes its way inside .

Safety Systems

The eMV comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features:

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Provides roll and yaw stability to help prevent loss of control
Automatic Traction Control (ATC): Regulates wheel spin during acceleration on slippery surfaces

All eMV cab configurations pass the rigorous SAE J2422 roof strength test, ensuring occupant protection in rollover situations .

Driver Experience: Intuitive and Comfortable

Drivers transitioning from diesel trucks will find the eMV familiar yet thoughtfully upgraded.

Digital Instrument Cluster

The state-of-the-art digital display provides critical information at a glance:

Power vs. regenerative load indicator
Propulsion load percentage
Range estimate
Battery temperature
Drive motor temperature
Regenerative braking level indicator (1, 2, or 3)
12-volt battery gauge

Three levels of regenerative braking allow drivers to select the amount of deceleration when lifting off the accelerator, from minimal drag to nearly one-pedal driving in heavy traffic.

Interior Comfort Features

Push-button gear selector for precise, split-second shifting
Steering wheel with integrated back-lit controls operable while wearing gloves
Flat instrument panel with center-mounted vent for passenger comfort
Large, easy-to-read backlit switch labels
Three-level regenerative braking control on the switch panel
Suspension dump and lift gate controls

The sloped hood design enhances forward visibility during both day and night, increasing jobsite safety .

The Support Ecosystem: Beyond the Truck

International recognizes that electrifying a fleet involves more than just purchasing vehicles. That’s why they’ve developed NEXT eMobility Solutions—a comprehensive support system that guides customers through every step .

EV Roadmap Services

Consulting: Discovery workshops dive into your fleet’s electrification needs and concerns, building a customized EV roadmap for success. The team helps answer critical questions: Which routes are suitable for electric? What’s the total cost of ownership? What incentives are available?

Charging Infrastructure: International assesses hardware placement and infrastructure requirements, finding the best ways to support vehicle charging and uptime. They’ve partnered with Quanta Services to provide comprehensive vehicle and charging infrastructure solutions .

Customer Onboarding: The team ensures charging locations, staff training, and remote diagnostics are all prepared before your electric fleet hits the road .

“Our electric vehicles are only as strong as the grid that powers them,” said Mathias Carlbaum, President and CEO of Navistar. “The differentiator of this partnership is Quanta’s ability to complete site construction and utility work” .

Real-World Milestones

The proof is in the miles—over two million of them. As of 2023, electric vehicle customers across International and IC Bus brands had logged more than two million all-electric miles . This represents a reduction of carbon emissions by more than 800 metric tons .

Fleets operating eMV trucks include:

Municipal utilities like Enwin Utilities in Windsor, Ontario
School districts running IC Bus electric school buses
Delivery fleets taking advantage of zero-emission urban access
Utility companies deploying ePTO-equipped bucket trucks

FAQ: Your Questions About the International eMV Series Answered

Q: What is the real-world range of the eMV?
A: The typical range is 135 miles per charge, though actual range depends on environmental conditions, driving behaviors, load weight, and use of regenerative braking . For predictable local and regional routes, this range is more than sufficient for a full day’s work.

Q: How long does it take to charge?
A: With DC Fast Charge providing up to 125 kW, a full charge takes under two hours. Level 2 AC charging at 19.2 kW is suitable for overnight charging at the depot .

Q: What’s the difference between ePTO and ePower?
A: ePTO provides high-voltage power for hydraulic equipment like bucket trucks, cranes, and dump bodies through a single connection. ePower provides continuous power for energy-intensive applications like refrigeration through dual connectors .

Q: How much maintenance does an eMV require compared to a diesel truck?
A: Significantly less. There’s no engine oil, transmission fluid, fuel filters, or aftertreatment systems to maintain. Regenerative braking also extends brake life substantially .

Q: What warranty comes with the eMV battery?
A: The drive battery is warranted for 36 months/150,000 kWh of gross discharge throughput on the standard warranty, or 5 years/100,000 miles depending on the coverage selected .

Q: Can the eMV handle highway driving, or is it only for city routes?
A: The eMV is designed for both. With peak power of 342 hp and torque of 1,737 lb.-ft., it accelerates comparably to diesel trucks and handles highway speeds comfortably. The 135-mile range makes it suitable for routes that may include highway segments between urban clusters .

Q: What applications is the eMV best suited for?
A: The eMV excels in delivery, utility service, landscaping, construction, and refrigerated transport applications—essentially any medium-duty vocational use with predictable daily routes .

Q: Does International help with charging infrastructure?
A: Yes. Through NEXT eMobility Solutions and their partnership with Quanta Services, International provides comprehensive support including site assessment, infrastructure planning, and charging installation .

Is the eMV Right for Your Fleet?

The International eMV Series represents a mature, thoughtfully engineered entry into the electric truck market. It’s not a science experiment—it’s a work truck built on a proven platform with real-world miles behind it.

For fleets with predictable daily routes, access to charging infrastructure, and sustainability goals to meet, the eMV offers compelling advantages: lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, quieter operation, and zero tailpipe emissions. The availability of factory-installed ePTO and ePower options means vocational fleets don’t have to compromise on capability.

The transition to electric isn’t simple, but International has built a support ecosystem designed to guide fleets through every step—from initial consultation through charging installation and ongoing optimization.

Is your fleet ready to make the switch to electric? Have you had experience with the eMV or other electric medium-duty trucks? Share your questions and stories in the comments below.

References:

Electrifying the Modern Fleet: Features of the International eMV Series | Zero-Emission Power, Versatile ePTO Options, and Lower Operating Costs for Forward-Thinking Businesses