Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies More Than Doubles Employee Headcount in Q2 as it Builds Freight Transportation’s First Clean-Sheet, Battery-Electric Class 8 Truck
The company appointed a Chief Legal Officer in addition to several key senior engineering staff to further the development and testing of the SD1
FREMONT, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AV—Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies (Solo AVT), the vehicle hardware company revolutionizing the freight transportation industry, today announced it appointed Paul Jones as Chief Legal Officer and Mengwei Campbell as Senior Director of Vehicle Controls, as well as hired ten engineering staff members to further progress the development and testing of the SD1, its long-haul battery-electric Class 8 truck tailored specifically for autonomous driving. Jones will serve as legal counsel and lead regulatory and compliance responsibilities. Campbell joins from Faraday where she was the Global Director of Propulsion Control and Software and the company’s first technical hire. The new senior engineering staff bring extensive industry experience from Ford, Nuro, Fisker, and more.
Already comprised of top industry experts from Tesla, Waymo, and BMW, gaining leading industry talent further accelerates Solo AVT’s ability to make clean freight transportation a reality. In Q2, the company revealed the design and specifications of the SD1 and also acquired new office facilities in Fremont, California which will serve as its headquarters.
“Developing a first-of-its-kind, clean-sheet truck design takes innovation and precision that only a high caliber of talent can achieve. Each individual’s unique expertise will be essential to our growth as a company, and most significantly, to achieving our mission to decarbonize the freight industry,” said Graham Doorley, CEO and founder, Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies. “We are thrilled that others share the same passion for decarbonization and autonomy that we do, and look forward to the collaboration and expansion to come.”
In August 2022 – less than a year after the company began – Solo AVT will begin test driving its first truck, a battery-electric, Class 8 vehicle that will be teleoperated and essential ahead of testing the SD1, which is expected to begin in early 2023. Solo AVT’s engineering and design team have also begun work on the test platform for its powertrain or Sled. The powertrain test platform, delivered in Q2 2022, is currently being modified with equipment from battery, e-axle, and steering suppliers.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of a nimble and fast-paced team, focused on providing a cutting-edge product that’s revolutionizing the industry and creating a better future for everyone,” said Grant Smith, Senior Powertrain Engineer, Solo AVT.
About Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies
Solo Advanced Vehicle Technologies (Solo AVT) is revolutionizing the freight transportation industry by bringing to market the first clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck to truly decarbonize the future of freight. Compatible with any autonomous driving software and offered via a Truck-as-a-Service model, Solo AVT’s hardware and software solutions are designed to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, improve safety, and last twice as long as traditional trucks. Solo AVT was founded in 2021, built by alumni from Waymo, Tesla, BMW, Ford, Faraday Futures, and more, and backed by leading investors including Trucks VC, Maniv Mobility, and Wireframe Ventures. Follow @SoloAVT on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contacts
Media Contact
Kate Gundry
solo@pluckpr.com
617-797-5174
