ZM Trucks, a subsidiary of ZO Motors and a developer of zero-emission commercial vehicles, opened its U.S. headquarters and assembly plant in Fontana, California, on Thursday, marking a significant step in its North American expansion. The launch included the U.S. debut of its ZM8 commercial truck and T75 terminal tractor, highlighting its commitment to sustainable transport despite policy and regulatory headwinds.
The new facility spans 9.67 acres and houses a 210,000-square-foot production floor located 49 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The plant will manufacture zero-emission vehicles, including commercial trucks and terminal tractors, designed for logistics, ports, and urban fleets. At full capacity, the facility is capable of producing up to 100,000 units annually, underscoring ZM Trucks’ ambitions to become a significant player in the U.S. commercial EV market.
The company is positioning its vehicles as cost-effective alternatives to diesel fleets, aiming to reduce total ownership costs and emissions in a sector that represents 6.7% of U.S. GDP and accounts for nearly 28% of national greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside the ZM8, the T75 terminal tractor is tailored for intensive logistics and port operations, signaling ZM Trucks’ focus on practical, high-performance solutions for fleet operators.
The company has also secured strategic partnerships with Merlin Group and FleetNet to strengthen its U.S. operations, in addition to a 900-unit order from 32Group at the 2024 ACT Expo. Combined with its global footprint, including a manufacturing facility in Cambodia, ZM Trucks plans to extend its reach across North America, South America, and the Middle East.
The U.S. expansion, however, comes as federal EV tax credits face potential phaseouts under the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, while charging infrastructure programs have been scaled back and delayed. Recent rollbacks in emissions standards and shifting trade policies add further uncertainty.