Charging Solutions for the International eMV Series | Overnight Simplicity, Fast-Charge Power, and Fleet-Ready Infrastructure

There’s a quiet confidence that comes with pulling a modern electric vehicle into your facility at the end of a shift—the hum of regenerative braking, the satisfying click of the charge connector locking into place, and the knowledge that tomorrow’s route will begin with a full battery and zero trips to the fuel island.

For fleet managers and owner-operators who’ve spent decades managing diesel maintenance, fuel taxes, and aftertreatment headaches, the International eMV Series represents something genuinely exciting: a medium-duty electric truck built on the same proven foundation as the diesel MV, but with operating costs that can transform a balance sheet. The 210 kWh battery pack delivers up to 135 miles of range, 342 peak horsepower, and 1,737 lb-ft of instant torque . But here’s the question every potential buyer asks: how do you keep it charged?

TL;DR

The International eMV Series offers flexible charging solutions designed for real-world fleet operations. The truck comes standard with both Level 2 AC charging (suitable for overnight depot charging at roughly 19.2 kW) and DC fast charging capability (providing up to 125 kW, which can deliver a full charge in under two hours) . International’s NEXT eMobility Solutions team provides end-to-end consulting, helping fleets navigate infrastructure installation, utility partnerships, and even mobile charging options like the innovative Mobile Power Charging Skid for remote job sites . For vocational flexibility, the eMV offers ePTO and ePower systems that use the propulsion battery to power hydraulic equipment or refrigeration units directly . And with a strategic partnership with Quanta Services, International can now offer a true one-stop-shop solution from vehicle ordering to fully operational charging infrastructure .

Key Takeaways

• Two Charging Standards: Every eMV includes both Level 2 AC (19.2 kW for overnight charging) and DC fast charging (up to 125 kW, full charge in under 2 hours) capability as standard equipment .
• Range Confidence: The 210 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery provides a typical range of 135 miles, with about 189 kWh usable capacity after base charge protection .
• Regen Boosts Range: Three levels of regenerative braking capture energy during deceleration, extending range and reducing brake wear significantly .
• Body Power Integration: Factory-installed ePTO (for hydraulics like booms and buckets) and ePower (for continuous loads like refrigeration) eliminate the need for separate diesel APUs .
• Consulting First: International’s NEXT eMobility Solutions team provides comprehensive pre-purchase consulting covering route analysis, charger selection, infrastructure costs, and grant/funding opportunities .
• Infrastructure Partnership: A formal partnership with Quanta Services means International can manage everything from grid assessment to site construction .
• Mobile Charging Option: For remote worksites, the experimental Mobile Power Charging Skid (propane-powered, self-contained) can charge eMV trucks where no grid connection exists .

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Understanding the eMV Charging Ecosystem

When you’ve spent years fueling diesel trucks, the transition to electric can feel overwhelming. But International has designed the eMV experience to be as intuitive as plugging in your smartphone—just on a larger scale. The key is understanding that charging isn’t a single solution; it’s a ecosystem of options tailored to your specific application.

The Battery Basics: What You’re Charging

Before diving into chargers, let’s understand what you’re actually plugging into. The eMV Series uses a 210 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack . LFP chemistry offers several advantages for commercial applications:

• Longevity: These batteries handle more charge cycles than traditional lithium-ion chemistries
• Safety: LFP is inherently more stable and resistant to thermal runaway
• Thermal Management: The Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) uses standard red coolant to maintain optimal operating temperatures

The usable capacity is approximately 189 kWh, with 12% held in reserve for base charge protection to extend battery life . That reserve ensures you never fully deplete the battery, which would accelerate degradation.

Range: Under typical conditions, you can expect about 135 miles on a full charge . Actual range varies based on:

• Driving behavior and route terrain
• Cargo weight (GVW up to 33,000 lbs)
• Use of accessories and ePTO/ePower systems
• Environmental conditions (cold weather reduces range)
• Regenerative braking usage (three selectable levels help maximize recovery)

Isn’t it remarkable how thermal management and smart battery reserves can protect a six-figure investment while still delivering dependable daily range?

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The Two Charging Worlds: Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charge

The eMV comes standard with both AC and DC charging capabilities, giving fleets flexibility to choose what works for their operation . Think of it like having both a standard wall outlet and a supercharger for your personal EV—each serves a different purpose.

Level 2 AC Charging: The Overnight Workhorse

Best for: Depots where trucks return to the same location daily and park for 8–12 hours overnight.

Level 2 charging uses alternating current (AC), which the truck’s onboard charger converts to direct current (DC) for the battery. The eMV’s recommended Level 2 station provides roughly 19.2 kW of power .

What this means in practice:

• If you plug in a partially depleted battery at the end of a shift, 8–10 hours of Level 2 charging will typically restore a full charge by morning
• Installation costs are significantly lower than DC fast charging
• Electrical infrastructure requirements are more modest (208–240V circuits)
• Ideal for fleets with predictable routes and return-to-base operations

Think of Level 2 as the equivalent of plugging in your phone overnight—slow, steady, and ready when you wake up.

DC Fast Charging: The Opportunity Charger

Best for: Trucks with multiple shifts, shorter turnaround times, or routes that exceed daily range.

DC fast charging bypasses the onboard charger and feeds DC power directly to the battery. The eMV supports DC fast charging at up to 125 kW .

The math is compelling:

• At maximum 125 kW input, the eMV can achieve a full charge in under two hours
• A 30-minute break could add 30–40 miles of range (opportunity charging)
• Useful for fleets that can’t guarantee 8+ hours of overnight parking
• Enables midday top-ups during driver lunch breaks

Important note: DC fast charging requires significant electrical infrastructure—often 480V three-phase power and substantial transformer capacity. This is where International’s consulting and partnership with Quanta Services becomes invaluable .

Charging Type	Power Output	Full Charge Time	Best Application	Infrastructure Complexity
Level 2 AC	19.2 kW	8–10 hours	Overnight depot charging	Moderate (208–240V)
DC Fast Charge	Up to 125 kW	Under 2 hours	Opportunity charging, multi-shift	High (480V, grid upgrades)

Data compiled from International eMV specifications and industry reporting .

The Charging Inlet: Designed for Real-World Use

International listened to customer feedback and made a significant design change. The charge port location was moved from behind the passenger-side door to a more intuitive position—under the door in what would be the battery box area . This aligns with the familiar fueling location of internal combustion engine vehicles, reducing driver confusion and making pull-through charging layouts easier.

The updated location supports both Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast) charging connectors, and the battery box includes a 12-volt disconnect that streamlines electrical management during service .

Beyond the Plug: ePTO and ePower Systems

One of the most innovative aspects of the eMV is how it uses its propulsion battery to power vocational equipment. This isn’t just a truck with an electric motor—it’s a mobile power plant.

ePTO (Electric Power Take-Off)

What it does: Uses the high-voltage battery to power hydraulic systems through an electric motor with an SAE B flange .

Applications:

• Utility bucket trucks (Altec has already taken delivery of a pilot eMV with factory ePTO)
• Dump bodies
• Cranes and booms

The benefit: Near-silent operation means workers in a bucket can communicate easily with ground crews. Zero emissions at the jobsite. No separate diesel engine needed.

Specs:

• Single connection using Amphenol Powerlok Gen2 connector
• 609V nominal operating voltage
• Powered by the main 210 kWh battery pack

ePower Electrical System

What it does: Provides direct high-voltage power from the propulsion battery to continuous-load equipment .

Applications:

• Transport refrigeration units (TRUs)
• Shredders
• Any application needing constant electrical power

Specs:

• Dual connection configuration
• 13.5–14.2 kW continuous power per connector
• Fused peak power of 19.7 kW

Can you imagine the operational savings when your reefer unit runs silently off the truck’s main battery instead of a separate diesel engine that needs fuel, oil changes, and maintenance?

International worked closely with transport refrigeration unit providers and fleets like Performance Food Group to develop and validate the ePower system . This isn’t theoretical—it’s real-world, validated technology.

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The Infrastructure Journey: From Consultation to Charging

Here’s where International truly differentiates itself. They understand that selling an electric truck without addressing charging infrastructure is like selling a smartphone without telling the customer about cellular service. That’s why they built the NEXT eMobility Solutions team.

The Five C’s Framework

International’s eMobility Experience trailer travels to events, educating fleets through interactive learning zones covering the five C’s: Consulting, Charging, Constructing, Connecting, and Conserving . This framework guides every customer interaction.

Step 1: Consulting (Where It All Begins)

“It starts with consulting, to understand the customer’s needs, with calculations on where and how to best electrify their fleet,” explained Trish Reed, vice president of zero emissions at International .

The NEXT team asks fundamental questions:

• What are your routes? Daily mileage? Terrain?
• Where can charging sites be located?
• What are the existing power sources at your facilities?
• How many chargers do you need?
• What are your growth plans?

Bruce Vasbinder, director of medium-duty segment marketing, noted that one of the biggest questions from bodybuilders is: “How much power do you need for how long?” . The consulting process works through these calculations to ensure effective vehicle usage.

Step 2: Funding and Financing

Electric trucks qualify for various incentives, and International helps customers navigate them:

• Federal tax credits
• State and local grants (like California’s HVIP program)
• Utility rebates for charging infrastructure

“Our goal is to have the charging and infrastructure in place and ready to go when the vehicles arrive,” Reed emphasized .

Step 3: The Quanta Partnership—Infrastructure Solved

In 2023, Navistar announced a formal partnership with Quanta Services, the largest specialty electric power grid infrastructure solutions company in North America .

Why this matters:

• Quanta provides engineering, construction, and maintenance services for EV charging infrastructure
• They handle site construction and utility work—the hardest parts of the process
• International offers a one-stop-shop approach: you order the trucks, they handle the infrastructure

“Our electric vehicles are only as strong as the grid that powers them,” said Mathias Carlbaum, president and CEO of Navistar .

This partnership covers:

• Power requirement analyses
• Utility company coordination
• Charger hardware selection and depot layout
• Installation and commissioning

Step 4: Mobile Charging for Remote Work

What if your eMV needs to work at a site with no grid connection? International has an answer for that too.

At the ACT Expo, the eMobility team demonstrated the Mobile Power Charging Skid—a self-contained charging unit powered by a refillable propane tank . This innovative concept can be placed at remote worksites (think construction sites, parks, or convention centers) to charge eMV trucks where no existing infrastructure exists.

This is the kind of forward thinking that turns “impossible” applications into “inevitable” ones.

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Real-World Applications: Who’s Charging Today?

The eMV isn’t a concept truck—it’s in production and working for real customers.

Altec Utility Truck

Altec took delivery of the first eMV with a factory-installed ePTO system for a pilot distribution bucket truck . The near-silent operation allows ground crews and bucket operators to communicate normally, improving safety and efficiency. Altec committed to ordering additional eMV trucks with ePTO for its utility customers .

Performance Food Group

PFG partnered with International to develop and validate the ePower system for refrigerated applications . This collaboration ensures that food and other perishables can be delivered locally with zero emissions—the reefer unit runs silently off the main battery.

Expanding Applications

Since its 2021 introduction, the eMV has expanded far beyond the original box truck concept. Today, you’ll find eMV platforms configured as :

• Electric bucket trucks
• Mini mixers
• Stake dumps
• Utility vehicles
• Refrigerated box trucks

Each application has different charging needs, and International’s consulting process helps match the right charging solution to the duty cycle.

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Timeline: The Evolution of Electric Medium-Duty Trucks

The eMV sits at the intersection of commercial truck durability and electric vehicle innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge the International eMV?
It depends on the charger. With Level 2 AC charging (19.2 kW), expect a full charge in 8–10 hours—perfect for overnight depot charging. With DC fast charging (up to 125 kW), you can reach full charge in under two hours .

What’s the range of the eMV on a full charge?
The typical range is 135 miles under normal operating conditions. The 210 kWh battery has about 189 kWh of usable capacity . Actual range varies based on load, terrain, driving behavior, and use of auxiliary systems.

Can I charge an eMV at a public charging station?
Yes. The eMV comes standard with both AC and DC charging capabilities, using standard connectors compatible with many public charging stations . However, most fleets will primarily charge at their own depots.

What is ePTO and how does it affect charging?
ePTO (electric power take-off) uses the propulsion battery to power hydraulic equipment like booms, cranes, and dump bodies . Using ePTO will consume battery charge, so route planning must account for both driving and work-site power needs.

Do I need to upgrade my facility’s electrical service?
Probably. DC fast charging typically requires 480V three-phase power and significant transformer capacity. Level 2 charging is less demanding but may still require panel upgrades. International’s NEXT eMobility Solutions team and Quanta Services partnership can assess your facility and manage the entire installation process .

What warranty covers the battery?
The drive battery is warranted for 5 years or 100,000 miles . The drive charger and cables are covered for 5 years and 1,000,000 miles.

Can the eMV charge my other equipment?
The ePower system is designed to power body equipment (like refrigeration units) from the propulsion battery . It’s not typically configured to charge external vehicles, though the high-voltage battery can certainly support job-site tools through proper interfaces.

What happens if I need to charge at a remote location with no grid power?
International has demonstrated the Mobile Power Charging Skid, a propane-powered self-contained charging unit that can charge eMV trucks at remote worksites . This concept addresses exactly that challenge.

How do I get started with electrifying my fleet?
Contact your International dealer to connect with the NEXT eMobility Solutions team. They’ll begin with consulting—understanding your routes, applications, and facility—before moving to charger selection, infrastructure planning, and vehicle ordering .

The Total Ownership Experience

International recognizes that adopting electric vehicles isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. The NEXT eMobility Solutions team serves as a resource from the very first consultation through vehicle end of life . This includes:

• Buyer consultation: Understanding your business goals and operational constraints
• Charging infrastructure guidance: Requirements, partners, installations
• Utility coordination: Ensuring adequate power is available
• Ongoing support: Connected vehicle technology for optimal operation
• End-of-life planning: Battery recycling and vehicle disposal

This holistic approach transforms what could be an intimidating transition into a managed, supported journey.

Comparison: eMV Charging vs. Industry Alternatives

Feature/Model	International eMV Series	Kenworth Medium-Duty BEV	Ford E-Transit
Battery Capacity	210 kWh LFP	Varies by model	68 kWh
Typical Range	135 miles	Application-dependent	108–126 miles
AC Charging	19.2 kW standard	Available	11.5 kW
DC Fast Charging	Up to 125 kW standard	Available	115 kW
Full Charge Time (DC)	Under 2 hours	Varies	~1 hour
ePTO/ePower Available	Factory-installed options	Available	Limited
Infrastructure Partnership	Quanta Services (formal)	Dealer-dependent	Third-party
Consulting Services	NEXT eMobility Solutions team	Available through dealers	Ford Pro

Data compiled from manufacturer specifications and industry sources .

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Conclusion

The International eMV Series represents a thoughtfully engineered entry point into commercial electrification. With flexible charging options—from overnight Level 2 to rapid DC fast charging—and the backing of a comprehensive consulting ecosystem, International has removed much of the guesswork that traditionally accompanies EV adoption.

The 135-mile range covers the vast majority of medium-duty duty cycles. The ePTO and ePower systems open up vocational applications that were previously difficult to electrify. And the partnership with Quanta Services means that for the first time, a fleet can order trucks and infrastructure from a single source with confidence that everything will work together.

For fleet managers who’ve spent decades managing diesel complexity, the eMV offers something genuinely refreshing: simplicity. Fewer moving parts. Lower maintenance. Zero tailpipe emissions. And a charging solution designed to fit your operation, not the other way around.

Has your fleet started the transition to electric? What questions do you have about charging infrastructure or the eMV’s capabilities? Share your experience in the comments below.

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References:

• International Trucks: eMV Series Official Specifications
• International: eMV Series Product Page
• Fleet Equipment Magazine: What’s New with the International eMV
• 汽车之家: Navistar Launches International eMV Series (Chinese)
• International: Charging Into the Future
• ACT Expo: Navistar Showcases Customer Electrification Support
• Heavy Duty Trucking: Navistar Forging Ahead on Electric-Truck Development
• Fleet Equipment Magazine: Navistar Launches Electric International eMV Series
• Transport Topics: Navistar Launches Production on International eMV Series
• Equipment World: International Rolls Out Electric Medium Duty Model