EK16 & EK18 Truck Platforms
Purpose-built battery electric trucks designed from the ground up for New Zealand's unique transport landscape.
Why New Zealand
A unique solution for a unique market
Strict axle weight limits
New Zealand has some of the lightest axle weight limits in the world. Our trucks need more axles in non-standard configurations that global OEMs don't offer off the shelf.
Truck and trailer combinations
While the rest of the world runs semi trucks with semi-trailers, New Zealand uses truck and trailer combinations, requiring different vehicle architectures entirely.
One of the cleanest grids
New Zealand's renewable energy grid and relatively short haul distances make electric commercial vehicles a natural fit. But being at the end of the world, we're the last to get OEM support.
Grid arbitrage opportunity
Wholesale power prices in NZ fluctuate significantly. V2G connectivity and grid arbitrage turn a commercial EV fleet into a revenue-generating energy asset, not just transport.
World-class engineering
Strict weight limits have driven NZ to develop some of the most advanced truck body building and transport engineering in the world, with exceptional design and productivity.
Electric topology advantage
With electric drive, moving axles around no longer means rerouting driveshafts. ECVS delivers vehicles to the exact specification required from the beginning, saving time and money.
From day one, ECVS understood that conversions were not the way of the future. Every Kahu EV truck has been a ground-up build, not a diesel conversion. This is how you build vehicles that work commercially, not just technically.
Next Generation
EK18 Modular Truck Platform
Built for New Zealand, engineered for the world
The EK18 is the culmination of best-of-breed heavy electric vehicle components, controlled by our EVNet™ peer-to-peer J1939 vehicle network and cloud-based telematics system. It vertically integrates all aspects of vehicle functionality including maintenance, support and charging.
Unlike the EK16's centralised motor and driveshaft arrangement, the EK18 uses integrated powered drive axles. This eliminates the traditional driveshaft entirely, bringing a step change in modularity and configuration flexibility.
The EK18 is available as a 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 with battery capacity from 180kWh to 540kWh and power from 260kW to 720kW. Wheelbase is highly configurable thanks to the modularity of the platform.
Software defined vehicle
This software-defined vehicle strategy ensures seamless performance, easy customisation and integration for body builders, and end-to-end operational support.
The real magic happens when the EK18 is fitted with a specialised body that benefits from advancements in electro-automation: concrete agitators, bitumen sprayers, rubbish compactors, milk tankers and powered trailers, all controlled through a single integrated system.
Cloud-based charging and energy management systems enable Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, optimising energy costs and grid integration while ensuring diagnostics and repairs are handled quickly to reduce downtime.
540kWh
Max battery capacity
720kW
Peak power
500kW
DC fast charging
100,000Nm
Peak tractive torque
Platform subsystems
Battery
- CATL LFP cells - 6,000 cycles
- Modular: 180 / 360 / 540 kWh
- 268Ah 750V architecture
- 180kW - 500kW DC fast charging
- 22kW on-board charger optional
Driveline
- Integrated CDTL drive axles
- 2-speed dual & single motor options
- WABCO EBS3 electronic braking
- Air or leaf suspension
- Disc or drum brakes
Cabin
- Four-point air suspension
- Flat floor design
- Low, medium & high roof
- Day, single or sleeper cab
- 12.5" multimedia display
Proven Platform
EK16 Truck Platform
Where it all started
The EK16 is the platform where ECVS proved that ground-up battery electric trucks could work in New Zealand's demanding commercial environment. Built from scratch rather than converted from a diesel platform, the EK16 validated the approach that every Kahu EV truck has followed since.
The EK16 uses a conventional centralised motor and gearbox arrangement, with a driveshaft powering a traditional differential. This proven architecture delivered the operational data and real-world experience that informed the EK18's next-generation powered axle design.
Lessons that shaped the EK18
Years of EK16 operation provided deep insights into what commercial EV operators need: reliability above all, ease of maintenance, and integration with existing fleet operations.
Every component choice, every software decision, and every operational workflow in the EK18 platform was informed by hard-won EK16 field experience. The EK16 wasn't just a product, it was the proving ground for the entire Kahu EV programme.
Interested in a Kahu EV truck?
Whether you're looking at fleet electrification, a specific application, or just want to understand what's possible, get in touch.
Get in touch