A Detroit-based startup is beginning early development work on an electrified medium-duty work truck based on the Ram 5500 chassis.

ZMD Motors, founded in early 2025, says it is developing an electric conversion for Class 4–6 pickup-style chassis-cab trucks, starting with the Ram 5500 platform. The company’s approach centers on integrating its electrification sub-systems into new chassis after the chassis leave the original equipment manufacturer’s production line.

About ZMD Motors

ZMD Motors designs and integrates electrification systems intended to convert new internal combustion chassis into zero-emission work trucks. The startup says its initial focus is on pickup-based chassis-cab vehicles commonly used in vocational applications such as utilities, municipalities, and service fleets.

The company was founded by Dave Stenson, who previously spent nearly three decades at General Motors leading engineering teams and vehicle programs. Stenson said ZMD Motors was created to pursue electrification opportunities in medium-duty segments where fleets have had fewer battery-electric options.

“ZMD Motors is highly nimble, built to collaboratively create new zero-emission product offerings that fleet customers are waiting for in select markets,” Stenson said.

Post-Production Electrification Approach

Under the concept being developed, ZMD Motors would receive new chassis from the OEM through a “ship-thru” logistics process. Vehicles would be routed directly from the manufacturer to a specialized facility where the electrification systems would be installed.

The conversion work is expected to be carried out through a contract manufacturing arrangement in the Midwest. The company said a specific supplier for that work has not yet been publicly identified.

ZMD Motors said it intends to offer a warranty covering its electrification subsystems and associated labor, while the base vehicle warranty would remain the responsibility of the original manufacturer.

The company declined to comment on whether it has any formal partnership or special arrangement with Ram related to the project.

Initial Focus on Public Fleets

ZMD Motors said early deployment could focus on public-sector fleets, including municipal, state, and utility customers. The company said these fleets often operate vehicles in predictable duty cycles and return to a central depot for overnight charging, making them potential candidates for electrified work trucks.

Initial market interest may be concentrated in California, where state policies and air-quality initiatives — particularly those affecting public-sector fleets — continue to encourage adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles.

The company said it is targeting a potential launch timeframe around the 2027 model year if development progresses as planned.