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The California Mobility Center held its first public viewing March 17 for the Ramp-Up Factory, a facility devoted to the commercialization of low-emission mobility technology. The date marked the first-year anniversary of commercial operations for CMC, a partnership between SMUD, Sacramento State, UC Davis and the City of Sacramento modeled after a similar mobility hub led by PEM Motion in Aachen, Germany. CMC’s goal is to address the climate crisis by accelerating the development and adoption of zero-emission vehicles and related technology. Though the factory is currently located in a Florin warehouse, with its permanent home set to be completed in five to seven years at the forthcoming Sacramento State Research Park near the university, work is already underway to help meet SMUD’s goal of reaching zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

Bill Brandt, chief revenue officer of Zeus Electric Chassis (left), and Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of SMUD, reveal the new Zeus Electric Chassis’ Class 5 all-electric work truck built to SMUD specifications. The Zeus Electric Chassis is the first of its kind in the United States. 

Marc Dorfer, chief operating officer of PEM Motion USA (right), provides a brief history of the Ramp-up Factory for assembled members of the Sacramento media. Standing alongside Dorfer is Mark Rawson, chief operating officer of the California Mobility Center.

The behind-the-scenes tour of the California Mobility Center’s Ramp-up Factory included machines and equipment located in production areas. This vacuum is used in the welding process. 

The architectural firm of Dreyfuss + Blackford presented a video on the California Mobility Center’s permanent ramp-up factory to be built in five to seven years on 25 acres on Ramona Avenue at The Hub: Sacramento State Research Park. 

Jason A. Silva, partner and design principal at Dreyfuss + Blackford, presented design highlights and operational details for the California Mobility Center’s permanent ramp-up factory expected to be completed in five to seven years.

Tony Lucas, associate vice president of business & administrative services at California State University Sacramento (right), provided insight on training, educating and developing the workforce talent needed specifically for the mobility sector. Standing behind Tony Lucus is Jason A. Silva, partner and design principal at Dreyfuss + Blackford.

Richard Mrlik, president of Intertie, explained how Intertie is developing its next generation EV ChargePod, which uses an integrated battery to reduce charging costs and generate value in a variety of use cases. 

Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of SMUD (right), talks about the partnership with Zeus Electric Chassis and the California Mobility Center. A large fleet of all-electric trucks reduces SMUD’s operating costs and greenhouse gases — helping SMUD reach its goal of zero carbon by 2030. Also pictured are Bill Brandt, chief revenue officer of Zeus Electric Chassis (left) and Robert Grinstead, founder and chief executive officer of Zeus Electric Chassis (center).

The Zeus Class 5 all-electric heavy duty commercial work truck is pictured with Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of SMUD (right). Paul Lau spoke about the partnership with Zeus Electric Chassis and the California Mobility Center. SMUD is in the process of transitioning to an all-electric fleet. Standing behind Paul Lau is Bill Brandt, chief revenue officer of Zeus Electric Chassis. 

Paul Lau, CEO and general manager of SMUD, and the California Mobility Center’s Board of Directors.

The Zeus Class 5 all-electric medium duty commercial work truck. SMUD has partnered with Zeus Electric Chassis and the California Mobility Center to procure five custom, all-electric work trucks. The trucks are the only all-electric work truck chassis manufactured in North America in the medium duty class and will be customized for a variety of uses throughout SMUD’s service territory. 

Bakur Kvezereli, chief executive officer of Ztractor, with the Bearcub-24, the world’s first autonomous electric tractor. The Bearcub-24 collects real-time agriculture data while operating in the field.

Phil Magney, founder and president of VSI Labs (standing), provides technical and applied research on the systems that support advanced safety and automated driving systems. Behind the wheel is Aaron Mowbray, senior research analyst of VSI Labs. 

The Arcimoto Deliverator is 100 percent electric and designed for the home delivery of goods, meals and groceries. It can reach speeds up to 75 mph and has a range of up to 102 miles of city driving.

Mark Rawson, chief operating officer of California Mobility Center (left), presents his opening remarks on March 17 to the assembled media for the first public viewing of the California Mobility Center’s Commercialization Factory located at Sacramento’s Depot Park. Standing alongside is Marc Dorfer, chief operating officer of PEM Motion USA.

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