Tropos Technologies Closes Oversubscribed Seed Fundraising Round Of $1.2 Million
December 10, 2017
With the aim being to develop its dealer network for the rollout of its electric low-speed fleet vehicle (E-LSV), Tropos Technologies has in a period of 10 days closed an oversubscribed seed fundraising round of $1.2 million, according to an email sent to CleanTechnica.
The dealer network that Tropos Technologies is now working to develop will be used to push the firm’s Cenntro Automotive Corporation METRO compact utility vehicle (CUV) to fleet buyers in the US. The offering is already available in Europe and Asia, where the model is sold as suitable for use in delivery services, parking enforcement, maintenance crew transport, and/or campus or community transport.
“This new funding will help us grow our network of E-LSV dealerships and service centers, enabling us to distribute vehicles across the US, while supporting start-up EV manufacturers,” commented Tropos CEO John Bautista. “We’re grateful for the support of our partners involved in this funding round. Their confidence in us is a testament of our rapid growth in the EV market.”
The email sent to CleanTechnica provides a bit more background: “The METRO is a dependable, versatile vehicle that is ready to work at an affordable price point, designed with safety in mind. The street-legal 10 kW low speed vehicle can achieve optional ranges of up to 120 miles, top speed of up to 40 mph (per local laws), an estimated MPGe of 145, up to 4.3 M/Kwh, on-road payload capacity of up to 1,200 pounds (2,000 pounds off-road), and a turning radius of 150 inches (12.5 feet).”
There are reportedly 3 basic configuration options for the METRO — a cargo box, a pickup bed, and a tradesman package. Notably, though, these basic configuration options can be tailored considerably to suit the needs of different operators.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has certified the Cenntro Metro as a zero-emission vehicle eligible for sale in California and all 15 Clean Air Act Section 177 States.
