E-Force Develops 18-Ton Electric Truck With 300km Range

Originally published on EV Obsession.

The Switzerland-based company E-Force has developed an 18-ton all-electric truck intended as a competitor to standard diesel-powered urban + interurban delivery vehicles in the region.

The E-Force electric truck possesses a range of 300 kilometers per full charge, according to the company, and reportedly uses “only” around 80–110 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per 100 kilometers traveled at highway speeds. Travel within urban regions gives a figure of around 60–90 kWh per 100 kilometers traveled.

The company’s website states (when put through an online translation program): “The E-FORCE is equipped with advanced technology that makes it practical for everyday use. It uses innovative design and intelligent control systems. In addition to having zero emissions, the E-Force is quiet in operation, making it ideal for use in residential neighborhoods.”

Gas 2 provides more info:

Low operating costs result from the use of electric power, which is up to 97% efficient. A traditional diesel engine is only about 35% efficient. Electric vehicles also benefit from low maintenance costs because they have far fewer moving parts to wear out. They often benefit from lower taxes or other financial incentives as countries endeavor to make them more appealing to fleet operators. For instance, in Switzerland the E-Force is exempt from the Heavy Vehicle Fee assessed on all diesel powered trucks.

…Squeezing an extra mpg or two out of a Prius is all well and good. But the real benefits to society from electric vehicles will be gained from replacing diesel powered heavy trucks and buses with electric vehicles. The E-Force is one of the first heavy duty vehicles with electric power commercially available anywhere in the world. Perhaps it will inspire similar vehicles for the US market in the near future. Cummins is working with several partners to bring a plug-in hybrid system to market for Class 6 trucks, which have a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. There are no larger trucks like the E-Force slated for introduction in the US any time soon.

Too bad for the US.

Reprinted with permission.