Volvo Vans and Econ Engineering’s new electrical gritter truck isn’t restricted to simply winter use as a result of it has an Electrical Fast Change Physique (E-QCB) system.

Transformer-like electrical gritter truck

The E-QCB, which is what Econ calls it, is far more than simply an electrical gritter truck. Because of Volvo Vans’ customizable EV truck base, it may be turned, Transformer-like, right into a tipper truck for freeway upkeep, and a cage tipper for rubbish or recycling assortment. 

The E-QCB prototype, which Econ developed together with Volvo Vans product specialists, makes use of hydraulic rams that enable a single particular person to change between demountable our bodies in simply quarter-hour.

The E-QCB is the primary within the “Econ Zero” vary. Econ’s bodywork sits on on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electrical 4×2 chassis. It’s bought 4 batteries and has a variety of as much as 155 miles (250 km). It may be charged in 2.3 hours with a 150 kW DC quick charger.

The E-QCB’s Volvo powertrain has two electrical motors mixed with a two-speed gearbox, and its energy supply is dealt with by a traction management system developed particularly to perform safely on slippery roads.

Econ says it’s greatest suited to an city surroundings, as each day mileage pushed will usually be much less. And with regards to gritting, the E-QCB’s FE electric-based mannequin has much less vibrations and virtually silent operation that enables drivers to raised give attention to gritting the highway and driving safely.

The flagship prototype shall be run within the UK. Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Vans UK & Eire, mentioned:

Each a part of the transport sector must have its sights set on attaining web zero, and gritting and snowplowing isn’t any exception.

The staff at Econ has developed an distinctive new product with our FE Electrical chassis at its coronary heart; that is going to permit gritter fleets to reap the advantages of working cleaner, quieter and extra environment friendly vans.

Electrek’s Take

I like this prototype – it’s so environment friendly. Econ Engineering is the UK’s largest maker of winter and freeway upkeep autos, so it is smart that they developed the E-QCB.

The Yorkshire-based firm leases its autos to councils and freeway authorities, so choosing an E-QCB will undoubtedly save these organizations cash and area. They’ll have the ability to lease one electrical truck that may do 3+ issues, reasonably than 3+ vans that may every do one factor.

Manufacturing In the present day asserts that Econ Engineering provides 8 out of 10 gritters on UK roads – round 1,000 rent autos – so if the corporate rolls out extra E-QCBs, it’s going to make an influence.

It might be nice if Econ and Volvo rolled this EV out past the UK’s borders.

Learn extra: A Volvo FH Electrical semi simply made a 3,000 km journey throughout Europe

Picture: Econ Engineering

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