Electra Commercial Vehicles gives an update on Pilot 4, a 40-tonne rigid truck, which will include a trailer and electrically refrigerated bodies and is set to be a game-changer for the freight industry.
Innovative Design Features
The vehicle will feature DC fast charging capabilities and photovoltaic panels covering the entire roof to maximise energy generation while on the move. Additionally, the truck will be fitted with a compact e-axle, specially designed for its weight category, which frees up valuable chassis space for a new modular battery system. The batteries, provided by consortium partner BRING, are tailored specifically for this project. Electra will oversee the final integration of the vehicle, using its in-house developed software to ensure smooth operation.
Modular Approach for Greater Efficiency
One of the standout features of Pilot 4 is its modular design. This approach allows for easy integration of different systems and components to optimise the vehicle’s range. By focusing on flexibility, the design aims to address two major concerns for operators: range anxiety and the availability of recharging stations for HGVs. The ability to configure the vehicle for specific applications will help overcome these challenges, ensuring the truck can perform efficiently on a variety of routes.
Development Timeline
The construction of the vehicle is expected to begin later this year, with extensive coordination required for component arrivals, software development, and rigorous testing. The vehicle will undergo tests for electrical safety, performance, and durability, with the final demonstration phase scheduled for 2026. Given that this is a completely new design, the process will take time, but Electra is committed to bringing this ambitious project to life.
Proving the Potential for Electric HGVs
Pilot 4 aims to demonstrate that electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can be just as viable for long-haul transport as their diesel counterparts. The vehicle will be tested in some of the most demanding conditions, including routes that involve high power usage and the added challenge of refrigerated bodies. The aim is to prove that the combination of a new battery system, regenerative braking, and solar energy can result in an efficient and effective solution for the freight sector. Fast DC charging will also help to reduce downtime and keep the truck on the road.
Real-World Use Case and Future Trials
Although there is no signed end-user for refrigerated or frozen goods deliveries yet, the vehicle will be operated at full load and reduced temperatures to simulate real-world delivery conditions. The vehicle will be tested in Germany and the UK before moving on to customer trials in real-world operations. This will help Electra gather crucial data on the vehicle’s performance and suitability for different logistics needs.
Charging Infrastructure and the Road Ahead
The availability of reliable charging infrastructure will be a key part of the real-world trials. It is hoped that by the time the trials begin, the availability of DC fast chargers will have significantly improved, addressing one of the biggest challenges for electric HGVs. While Europe is expected to have a more developed network of charging stations than the UK, the project will demonstrate the feasibility of the vehicle’s design and show that electric HGVs can play a key role in the future of sustainable transport.