A new electric truck maker has landed in the U.S., and recently celebrated the opening of a 210,000 sq.-ft. factory outside Los Angeles, Calif.
ZM Trucks produces an electric terminal tractor and medium-duty trucks. It has established a regional headquarters in Fontana, Calif.
“Despite policy uncertainty, we’re charging ahead,” said Joost de Vries, global chief executive officer of ZM Trucks. “Our investment in Fontana demonstrates that commercial EVs are not just viable, they’re a superior solution for urban truck operators, delivering lower costs, higher performance, and a smarter path toward total cost of ownership.”
The company acknowledges its U.S. expansion comes against a backdrop of policy change and market headwinds, including the phasing out of federal EV tax credits, the slowing rollout of charging infrastructure, and confusing messaging around tariffs.
However, the company still sees a strong opportunity in North America where transportation accounts for 6.7% of U.S. GDP and nearly 28% of greenhouse gas emissions.
“By delivering vehicles that outperform diesel trucks on total cost of ownership and emissions, ZM Trucks aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping the U.S. commercial fleet landscape,” the company said in a release.
Last year, ZM announced its planned expansion to the U.S., and said that ITD Industries in Etobicoke, Ont., would assemble and distribute its vehicles for the Canadian market.
