This solution severs the rope tethering eHGVs to their base chargers
Power bank manufacturer Tual has introduced new power banks for charging electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs).
As sustainability goals loom over transportation companies, eHGVs have so far struggled with a lack of suitable power banks, hindering productivity and limiting travel.
“The transition to electric heavy goods vehicles is essential for achieving our environmental targets, but they are handicapped by limited range,” said Philip Clarke, the CEO and founder of Tual. “This impacts the use-cases and routes they can operate on, as the current charging infrastructure is simply not scaled for heavy goods vehicles.”
eHGVs require a megawatt charging infrastructure, which is not often available at public charging stations. This lack of availability undercuts the productivity of heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to increased downtime, fewer profits and less reliable vehicles.
This leaves companies with the less ideal option of charging their eHGVs at base, and ultimately limiting the weight of useful electric vehicles to 16 to 44 tonnes.
“Our swappable power banks are designed to bridge this gap, providing a reliable and flexible solution that keeps eHGV fleets on the move,” said Clarke. “This technology is ready for deployment now, offering a viable alternative to the long-mooted and long-delayed public megawatt charging network.”
Tual’s 120kWH and 180kWH swappable power banks, which will increase the amount of time an eHGV can be on the road and introduce more flexibility to the journey. The adaptable, modular solution can be introduced easily into existing eHGV platforms, allowing fleet operators to travel without relying purely on existing, underpowered charging infrastructure.
Tual’s power banks can be swapped out in under five minutes and can be scaled to meet different eLCV and eHGV fleet requirements. This offers a new level of flexibility and efficiency, reducing the strain on power grids, limiting the time spent charging and increasing the amount of time spent travelling. This allows eHGVs to extend their range and operational hours, becoming more suitable for the long-haul routes they often must complete.
Despite increasing environmental targets, the electric vehicle industry is quite turbulent, with sales peaking and plummeting. The consistency offered by eHGV chargers could help to balance this, offering customers the flexibility to opt for eHGVs without compromising on productivity.
This power bank technology comes at a time when manufacturers are attempting to minimise the weight of electric vehicles through careful material selection, component design and high-density power modules. With engineers optimising every aspect of electric vehicles and their chargers, Tual’s power banks are an important building block in the industry.
