Did you know that a small company in British Columbia has been quietly revolutionizing the electric vehicle market for over 25 years?

The Might-E Truck, a flagship product of Canadian Electric Vehicles (CanEV), exemplifies how dedication to innovation and sustainability can drive the consistent improvement of a product over a quarter-century. Since CanEV’s inception in 1995, the Might-E Truck has transformed from a pioneering electric utility vehicle into a highly efficient, versatile, and reliable solution for industries worldwide. Over the past 25 years, advancements in technology, design enhancements, and a commitment to meeting customer needs have propelled the truck’s development, making it a standout in the electric vehicle (EV) market.


Early Days: A Spark of Genius in 1996

The story of the Might-E Truck begins in 1996, one year after CanEV was founded in Parksville, British Columbia. At a time when electric vehicles were a niche concept, CanEV introduced the Might-E Truck as a mid-sized, fully electric work vehicle designed for utility and off-road applications. The initial model featured a direct current (DC) electrical system and was tailored for use in settings like campuses, malls, resorts, parks, airports, and industrial sites. With a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph), it complied with Transport Canada’s regulations for low-speed vehicles (LSVs), making it road-legal for tasks such as downtown maintenance, local garbage pickup, and groundskeeping. Built with a heavy-duty steel box frame and powered by lead-acid batteries, the original Might-E Truck offered durability and reliability, setting the stage for its future evolution.

 

Technological Advancements: From DC to AC Systems

One of the most significant milestones in the Might-E Truck’s development came with the shift from a DC electrical system to a 72V alternating current (AC) drive system. This upgrade, implemented in later generations, markedly improved the truck’s efficiency and performance. Unlike the original DC system, the AC drive incorporates regenerative braking, which recovers energy during deceleration to extend the truck’s driving range and reduce wear on its braking components. Today, the Might-E Truck boasts a range of up to 50 miles (90 km) with the standard battery and 75 miles (120 km) with the extended range battery, on a single charge, depending on load and terrain—a substantial improvement over its early iterations.

Battery technology has also advanced significantly over the years. The original lead-acid batteries, while functional, were heavy and limited in energy density. Modern versions of the Might-E Truck utilize a 16 kW or 21kWh lithium-ion battery, offering greater efficiency, longer life, and reduced weight. These improvements have enhanced the truck’s practicality, allowing it to meet the demands of diverse work environments without frequent recharging or maintenance.

 

Design Evolution: Strength Meets Versatility

The Might-E Truck’s physical design has evolved alongside its technological upgrades. Early models featured a robust welded heavy-duty steel box tube frame and spring steel bumpers, emphasizing durability for off-road use. Over time, CanEV refined this design by incorporating lighter materials, such as aluminum and composites, into the cab construction. This reduced the truck’s weight, improving energy efficiency while maintaining its ruggedness. The suspension system, now equipped with rear multi-leaf springs and front double wishbone independent design with coil springs, ensures a smooth ride across uneven terrain, while four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power.

Versatility has become a hallmark of the Might-E Truck’s development. Initially offered in a basic configuration, the truck now comes in multiple variants to suit specific needs, including a base cab and chassis, pickup box, flat deck, cube van, and garbage tipper (high dump hopper). This adaptability has broadened its appeal, making it suitable for applications ranging from campus maintenance to airport ground support. The truck’s programmable speed, adjustable up to 28 mph (50 km/h), further enhances its flexibility by allowing compliance with local regulations while meeting operational demands.

 

A Commitment to Quality and Low Maintenance

Throughout its history, CanEV has prioritized quality by constructing the Might-E Truck with North American automotive parts. This ensures reliability and easy access to replacements, minimizing downtime—a critical advantage for utility vehicles. Unlike combustion-engine vehicles, which require frequent servicing due to their complex mechanical systems, the Might-E Truck’s electric drivetrain has fewer moving parts, reducing wear and tear. This focus on low maintenance has been a consistent thread in its development, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional vehicles over its lifespan.

 

Milestones and Market Impact

The Might-E Truck’s evolution has been marked by notable achievements. In 2019, CanEV was commissioned by the City of Santa Monica to supply 25 Might-E Trucks to support city maintenance operations.  In 2024 the Government of Canada contracted CanEV to supply Agriculture and Agrifoods Canada with Might-E Trucks to be used on farm research facilities in locations coast to coast from Kentville, NS to Agassiz, BC.  User feedback has also driven continuous improvement. For instance, the Resort Municipality of Whistler lauded the truck’s ability to operate in snowy conditions with batteries lasting a full eight-hour shift—a testament to its enhanced reliability. Such testimonials have reinforced CanEV’s reputation and guided refinements to the truck’s design and functionality.