Apr 5, 20222 min read

The CMC Commemorates our Client, Zeus Electric Chassis, on First Commercial Transaction with SMUD

The CMC Commemorates our Client, Zeus Electric Chassis, on Their First Commercial Transaction in Partnership with CMC Member SMUD

At the CMC Showcase ’22, the CMC was proud to work with CMC Client Zeus Electric Chassis Inc. (Zeus) to unveil their first production vehicle, #SO-00001, built for their very first customer, CMC Member SMUD.

Zeus has been a CMC Client since March 2021, utilizing the CMC ecosystem for help accelerating their business model. By reducing friction points and creating an environment for early-stage companies to get advice on their commercialization journey, the CMC has built something unlike anything else. Zeus has actively worked with our ecosystem since joining, including several of our Preferred Service Providers: California Strategies for help with navigating the legislative complexities of working in California, EnerTech Capital for mentoring on how to present themselves to the venture capital world, and E Source for technology evaluation.

Arlen Orchard proudly welcomes Zeus and SMUD representatives to the stage at the CMC Showcase ‘22

This all-electric flatbed stake truck, the first of 5 different types of work trucks being built for a 6-month pilot program with SMUD, was first unveiled for press at a special behind-the-scenes media tour on March 17 before the Ramp-up Factory doors opened for the CMC Showcase ‘22. This was the first time the CMC has opened our doors to the public since our operational launch last year. Showcase attendees were then given the grand reveal at the culmination of the event and were welcomed to approach the truck for a closer look.

All 5 trucks will be delivered to the CMC RUF in Q2 2022 to undergo final inspection before hitting the road with SMUD employees. This fleet adoption program allows Zeus to put 5 specific platforms in crews’ hands to prove their technology and show it to the world. SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan commits them to removing all carbon emissions from their power supply by the end of the decade. SMUD currently drives 5 million miles annually with a fleet of 950 vehicles and assets, which makes finding a solution for fleet electrification a crucial part of reaching their zero-carbon goal. Zeus successfully fills that gap by providing a work truck that will fill their duty cycles and perform out in the field.

Robert Grinstead with Arlen Orchard, Mark Rawson and Bill Brandt

Arlen Orchard, chair of the CMC board of directors, presented Zeus CEO and Founder, Robert Grinstead with a commemorative plaque to celebrate this major accomplishment. Robert Grinstead and CFO of Zeus, Bill Brandt, Zeus chief revenue officer, also presented the CMC and SMUD with a framed Trailer Body Builders magazine cover featuring SMUD’s truck, and a signed copy of the sales order tag. Robert then handed over the truck keys to SMUD CEO Paul Lau, SMUD Director of Procurement, Warehouse & Fleet Casey Fallon and Jennifer Davidson, SMUD Chief Financial Officer.

The SMUD team was all smiles as they received the keys from Robert Grinstead before heading over to jump into their brand-new truck!

The partnership between Zeus and SMUD shows what the CMC is all about – helping early-stage companies get to market while helping industry incumbents fill gaps in their future mobility needs. We could not be happier for Zeus and look forward to seeing all 5 of their trucks driven around Sacramento by SMUD employees!