SEA Electric has introduced a 100% electric tipper truck. The zero-emission vehicle is powered by a SEA-Drive 100 power system with 100 kWh battery.
The battery produces 59 kW of continuous power and 108 kW maximum power. A maximum torque of 1,000 Nm is possible with the SEA-Drive 100, ensuring enough power for commercial vehicle applications.
SEA-Drive 100 provides a range of 275 km (unladen); an onboard three-phase charger is capable of recharging the battery to 80% within 5 hours.
Batteries are mounted in the middle of the truck to ensure balance and safety, as the driver is farther forward and thus protected should a problem occur with the batteries.
SEA Electronics built the electric tipper on an Isuzu NPR 65-190 platform. However, it can be adapted to many other types of OEM platforms.
The electric tipper truck is being deployed by the Yarra City Council in Australia for hard rubbish collection. Implementation of the truck is part of its efforts to transition to electric garbage and recycling trucks over the next 5 years. Switching to electric vehicles aids with decarbonization efforts, as well as improving the livelihood of residents. Battery-powered vehicles produce less noise and emissions than their combustion engine counterparts, making them well suited for use in urban environments.
The lack of noise also benefits vehicle operators who spend their work day in the cab and can become fatigued from the noise created by traditional vehicles. Reduced vehicle noise means there is the opportunity to operate at night, as well, when there is less traffic on the road and other distractions for drivers; this can lead to productivity increases for the fleet operator.
There are typically fewer wear components in battery-electric vehicles, as well, helping to reduce maintenance and service costs. Fuel costs are also eliminated due to the replacement of the engine.
