Orange EV names Kurt Neutgens CEO as electric terminal truck maker expands

Orange EV has named co-founder Kurt Neutgens chief executive as the Kansas City, Kan.-based manufacturer expands its electric terminal truck and fleet electrification business.

He was promoted from president and chief technology officer

Neutgens succeeds co-founder Wayne Mathisen, who is stepping back from day-to-day leadership after 14 years as CEO, according to a company release today. Additionally, Mathisen will remain a board adviser for the electric terminal truck OEM.

Neutgens helped develop Orange EV’s technology, product roadmap, manufacturing strategy and service model after co-founding the company with Mathisen in 2012.

Orange EV also named Antonio Alva as chief operating officer, according to the release. Alva most recently served as COO and president at parts manufacturer MPI Products, where he oversaw engineering, quality, service, production and procurement. He will lead the same functions at Orange EV.

The leadership changes follow the company’s deployment of its 2,000th electric terminal truck and a 600-truck order announced earlier this year. Meanwhile, the company said demand is growing for its turnkey yard operations platform, which includes purpose-built Class 8 electric terminal trucks, fleet chargers and factory-direct service.

Orange EV trucks have logged more than 33 million miles and 12 million operating hours across more than 41 states, Canada and the Caribbean, according to the release. The vehicles support warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, port, rail and logistics operations as fleets evaluate electric yard trucks to reduce diesel fuel exposure, maintenance costs and downtime.

Check out our exclusive industry data here.