US Specialty EV Maker Automate Manufacturing of Blue Arc EV Truck - CleanTechnica

Blue Arc EV Solutions, the electric vehicle division of The Shyft Group, a North American specialty vehicle manufacturer with over 50 years of experience, has developed a commercial electric delivery van tailored for last-mile logistics. Unlike many competitors, The Shyft Group designed their EV chassis from the ground up to meet specific delivery fleet needs such as driver ergonomics, durability, and operational efficiency. The Blue Arc vans utilize lightweight materials like aluminum and composites, achieve a driving range of over 220 miles, and offer higher payload capacity than traditional delivery vehicles. The design anticipates overnight depot charging, minimizing dependence on public charging infrastructure. The company has secured an initial order for 150 vehicles from a major delivery company, though the client remains unnamed. To support production, The Shyft Group implemented Rockwell Automation’s Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, an ERP system that digitizes supplier management, inventory tracking, financial monitoring, and production workflows. This digital infrastructure enabled the company to progress from concept to functional prototype in