Timeline

Our Journey: The Electra Commercials Timeline

For over eight years, Electra Commercials has pushed the boundaries of innovation and reliability in the commercial vehicle sector. With thousands of vehicles on the road and a growing global distribution network, our commitment to excellence continues to drive our evolution.

2017 – A Company Born from Real Customer Needs.

Clean air zones were expanding, but zero-emission heavy vehicles were not. Backed by committed customers, we founded Electra to change that, building electric trucks with Tier 1 components and designed by experts who understand the realities of commercial transport. From the start, our priority was clear: reliable vehicles that deliver for operators.

2018 – First EV development.

We produced our first EV on an MB Econic platform, converting a diesel into a fully electric vehicle with an RCV body—the most power-demanding application in service. Along the way, we tackled challenges in vehicle build, bodywork, power supply, and regulatory approval.

Focusing on municipalities and airports gave us a globally scalable, low-volume client base. While we strategically partnered with specialist suppliers for certain components to accelerate production and establish micro-factories, we maintained full control over core systems such as software and integration, ensuring every Electra vehicle meets our exacting standards.

2019 – Milestones in innovation.

A key milestone was securing a glider chassis from leading global OEMs, providing a recognized base vehicle and enabling faster type approval through our homologation process.

Our modular platforms and bay-build techniques ensured high quality with low overheads, laying the foundation for future micro-factories to serve regional clients and strengthen local value chains.

2019 – Collaboration and new technologies.

Collaboration with bodybuilders was key to success. We developed an EPTO to power any body type and produced the first electric fridge units using inverters powered by the Electra battery system, eliminating auxiliary engines and accelerating the path to net zero.

2020 – Small series type approval gained, and full production commences.

After successful client trials, we began serial production of our chassis units, targeting councils, contractors, and airside operators. We also delivered our first ERCV, a refrigerated rigid and semi-trailer, marking the start of our customer journey.

2022 – Hydrogen trials.

Believing in a future powered by both hydrogen and electric, we partnered with a major supermarket to develop an FCEV refrigerated truck for trials. Using a fuel cell as a range extender, we demonstrated that double-shifting a ZEV over a daily 400–500 km cycle was achievable.

2022/2023 – Generation 3 development and expansion

Generation 3 vehicles introduced modular battery systems and a redesigned component layout for easier production and maintenance. Growing demand, coupled with the reopening of airside operations after COVID-19, prompted a larger factory and plans for a global distribution network.

2024 – New 64,000 sq ft facility

In mid-2024, Electra relocated to a new West Yorkshire factory, providing increased production capacity, expanded R&D space, and room to develop new models.

Glider agreements were extended, securing supply and LHD availability for export markets. Our refined modular assembly enables global distributors to act as assembly partners as volumes grow. We also developed a chassis for airport fuelling contractors, partnering with a global oil company to meet safety and operational requirements worldwide.

2025 – Global Products and FCEV Expansion.

Electra has developed vehicles for airports and multi-wheeled applications in urban construction. Our distributor network now spans Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East. FCEV offerings are expanding to 2-axle tractor units (42 t GCW), supported by a drivetrain with gearbox and e-axle for heavier-duty applications.

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