In August, the economic development team chatted with John Bautista, CEO of Tropos Technologies to learn more about his company.

Where does the name come from?

The name comes from the troposphere which is the first 10 km of our atmosphere, the part we live in and to me, the one that affects us the most.

Tell us about Tropos Technologies?

We are a startup that manufacturers and distributes all-electric, street-legal vehicles, specializing in utility e-LSVs – electric low-speed vehicles – and trucks under the Tropos Motors brand. These vehicles are designed for a range of corporate, fleet, first-responder, agriculture, last-mile delivery, and construction applications. Tropos employs the latest EV technology, experienced engineering, and modern design aesthetics. The Tropos Motors ABLE™ is a full line of durable, versatile, and available eCUVs (electric Compact Utility Vehicles). The Tropos Motors product line is capable of handling large payloads and towing capacities and can operate in extremely tight quarters with a short wheelbase and turning radius. Tropos Motors eCUVs can operate indoors, outdoors, and off-road. Available in countless configurations, their trucks are ready to work as hard as you do, no matter the job.

We are part of the “vehicle right sizing movement.”  Tropos Technologies captures the middle of vehicle right sizing movement by creating and defining the market place with versatile products that fleet operators can use.”

Benefits of your vehicles?

Our vehicles are inexpensive.  The maintenance on them is low and the total cost of ownership is low.  The vehicle pays for itself in less than a year.

Why Morgan Hill?

I have strong roots in this community. My parents moved to Morgan Hill in 1965 and were both heavily involved in the community for as long as I can remember.  My wife and I also decided to raise all 3 of our children in this community.  Plus, I wanted Tropos Technologies to be in Silicon Valley.  In working with the City of Morgan Hill I was able to locate an affordable space to grow the company.

What does the future hold for Tropos Technologies?

Our goal is to expand our product line.  Right now, our vehicle market is starting to include dump trucks, food trucks, fire trucks and ambulances.  We would like to target the agricultural industry next.

Our latest partnership is with Panasonic.  We are currently developing new technologies with them.