SANTA MONICA, CA - The City of Santa Monica, Calif. will use Rapid Electric Vehicles' (REV) 300 ACX PACKs to transform a Ford Escape to a 100-percent electrified vehicle for fleet use as part of a demonstration project with REV. According to REV, Santa Monica will be its first U.S. customer to purchase an REV 300 ACX.  

REV said the vehicle features fast-install AC drive technology, integrated data management, and is compatible with networked charging station infrastructure.

"We partnered with REV on this project because they have produced a high-quality conversion and they are leading the way with innovative, economical and eco-friendly solutions to help move fleets toward zero emission vehicles," said Rick Sikes, fleet superintendent from the City of Santa Monica. "The City of Santa Monica has a long history of sustainability and is committed to preserving our picturesque environment and resources for future generations to enjoy. The REV 300 ACX will help us reach these goals."

The REV 300 ACX travels 100 miles on a single charge while maintaining the performance capabilities of the original vehicle. The REV electric fleet vehicle is efficient with regenerative braking, eGear drive transmission, and less than 10 moving parts.  The vehicles are safe with built-in inertia switches, a manual safety disconnect, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and full system airbags. They are also reliable with one-tenth the maintenance, vehicle-to-grid ready, recharge in as little as 3.5 hours, and have built-in fleet information systems, REV stated. 

"We are encouraging municipalities in Southern California that want 100-percent electric fleet vehicles to join our Co-Development and Launch Partner Program. This program combines individual municipal orders into larger orders that will save nearly 30 percent of the pre-production costs," said Jay Giraud, president and CEO of REV.