Startup targets specialised commercial markets with low-floor electric chassis built for flexibility and global expansion
Berlin, 6 February 2026 – German and US-based electric vehicle startup CityFreighter is seeking new international investment as it prepares to move from research and development into full commercial production of its modular electric vehicle platform.
The company is developing a 4.25-tonne gross vehicle weight electric chassis designed for specialised commercial uses. The new funding round aims to support pilot validation, expand engineering operations, and prepare the platform for large-scale production by 2028.
CityFreighter has already raised £2.7 million and is now looking to secure an additional £3.8 million in this round. Overall, the company estimates that around £30 million will be required to reach serial production, with further funding rounds planned over the coming years.
Part of the new investment will be used to establish engineering centres in the UK and the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among the leading options. These locations are seen as key growth markets for electric commercial vehicles and specialised fleet operations.
Led by founder and chief executive Michael Schoening, the company brings together a team with experience from well-known automotive brands such as Bosch, Daimler, Ford, Lightyear, Lotus, and Morgan. The leadership believes there is a clear gap in the market that traditional vehicle manufacturers have not addressed.
According to Schoening, major vehicle makers focus mainly on high-volume models, leaving specialised fleets with limited electric options. CityFreighter aims to fill that gap by offering a modular, low-floor electric chassis that can be easily adapted for different uses.
The platform is designed for a wide range of niche applications, including last-mile delivery trucks, recreational vehicles, shuttle buses, food trucks, emergency response units, and service vehicles. Its ultra-low-floor design makes it especially suitable for urban logistics and frequent stop-and-go operations.
One of the key advantages of the platform is its flexibility. Operators can choose different battery sizes depending on how the vehicle is used. For city driving, where daily distances are often around 50 kilometres, a smaller battery can reduce costs. With an additional battery installed, the vehicle can achieve a range of more than 400 kilometres.
CityFreighter’s chassis also includes future-ready technology such as an 800-volt electrical system, over-the-air software updates, bidirectional charging, and AI-based fleet management tools. The open mechanical and digital interfaces are designed to make it easier for bodybuilders and specialised manufacturers to customise vehicles for their specific needs.
Beyond vehicle sales, the company plans to generate revenue through platform licensing, fleet software, battery subscription models, energy services, and custom vehicle solutions. This multi-layered business model is intended to support scalable growth across different regions.
The company believes market timing is in its favour. Global demand for electric commercial vehicles continues to rise, especially in segments that require customisation and modular design. Light commercial electric vehicle sales grew by more than 40% in 2024, exceeding 600,000 units worldwide. The 4.25-tonne category is expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments, driven by e-commerce expansion, last-mile delivery, and increased recreational travel.
With its focus on flexibility, specialised markets, and global production readiness, CityFreighter is positioning itself as a next-generation player in the evolving electric commercial vehicle industry.
