E-drive with 1410 Nm
Not all electric powered vehicles need to come from auto manufacturers. There are small technology and some large engineering companies that are venturing into electric drive conversions for vehicles to cater to a growing need for emission free vehicles, especially in niche business units.
One such business, is the mining industry. A German company is building electric off-road vehicles based on the Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck. They have just shown an optimized version of this diesel powered off-roader with an emission free powerplant.
Pickup Truck
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been an automotive icon since its premiere in the early 1950s. This workhorse off-road vehicle was developed further over many model generations, but always remained useful for the farming and construction industry.
An electric Land Cruiser is not offered by Toyota Motor Japan, not yet at least. But the capabilities of this well built vehicle is respected and needed by many and to solve the emissions issue, a German company has provided the solution.
Technology Provider
Huber Automotive AG, an established specialist in the field of automotive electronics and e-drive systems from Muehlhausen near Stuttgart, presents the RUN-E Electric Cruiser, an emission-free, electric powered Land Cruiser especially for mining applications. It can also be used for the farming and construction industry of needed.
Just as the original version of the Land Cruiser which was designed for use in extreme environments, this electrified version of the Toyota Land Cruiser J7 is still able to take to the rough while ensuring improved air quality, reduced noise pollution and operating costs savings underground. This Land Cruiser pickup could be an inspiration for current pickup truck manufacturers to start looking at battery powered variants.
The Diesel Engine
First the Toyota well proven and installed 4.5-litre diesel engine which is good for 202hp and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox is removed. This diesel engine delivers an impressive 317lb ft of torque, which arrives from a low 1,200rpm but its rather noisy and is not emissions friendly.
The EV Power
A 35 kWh battery supplies the drive with electricity. According to the manufacturer, it was designed for high recuperation. This makes sense, as mining vehicles often cover long slopes. On the road, the battery capacity should provide 150 kilometers, in off-road use for 80 to 100 kilometers.
The electric motor has a maximum output of 90 kW (122hp) and the maximum torque is an impressive 1,410 Newton meters. Driving uphill with a 15 percent gradient should be possible at a speed of 35 km/h, on the road up to 130 km/h is easily achieved.
There is an off-road package as additional equipment, as well as special heating and cooling systems for the battery. This can compensate for sometimes large temperature fluctuations when working in mining.
Emissions
The electric version enables completely pollution-free driving and, thanks to cleaner air, lower vehicle heat load and less noise pollution due to the silent electric motor, enormously improves the health protection of employees, especially in mining and underground mining. At the same time, the operating costs for maintenance, operating materials and ventilation are significantly reduced for operators.
