The future of transport is electric and while many thought heavy vehicles would never make the transition, this Aussie-built EV truck is proof that’s wrong.
Woolworths is one company that is trialing the EV technology. Transiting groceries around the country currently relies on lots of diesel powered trucks running between distribution centers and supermarkets, so if they can make EV work, there’s some savings to be had, as well as reducing their carbon emissions as a company.
The fully electric truck features technology from SeaElectric, who have developed an electric drivetrain, known as SEA-Drive. They have a number of variants, like this IVECO ACCO, built in Australia, so no Australian manufacturing isn’t dead.
This Victorian built @IVECO ACCO is the first 100% electric, completely @AustralianM made truck, with @SeaElectric tech. Being deployed in Vic with Qld waste body too. #EVs @LilyDAmbrosioMP @OBenPotter @BJafari #ElectricVehicles pic.twitter.com/qQLC3jbXhA
— SEA Electric (@seaelectricev) August 12, 2018
The company recently posted an earlier photo of the truck before it received Woolworths branding and detailed the specs of the truck. This is powered by electricity 100% of the time that you’ll soon seeing much more of on Melbourne roads.
The SEA-Drive 140 model has been created for adoption by 14t to 17t cab chassis trucks. A 195kW (continuous power) Permanent Magnet motor, provides 2060Nm of continuous torque, drives the vehicle, allowing 0-50km/h in 8 seconds.
It operates with a 140kWh battery pack, mounted below the cab and between the chassis rails for protection and balance. This configuration gets up to 180km on a charge, but Woolworths needed more, so opted for the extra battery pack.
With an additional battery module, that power is increased to 212kWh, that’s like having 2x Tesla Model S’ bolted together to deliver a ridiculous 3500Nm from the electric motor. It’s that kind of torque that’s required to haul the weight found in transport.
A 22kW integrated charger allows full charge in under 7 hours.
The 100% electric SEA-Drive powered 23.5t GVM GHEV powered by 212kWh pack/ 3500Nm electric motor. On-board charger eliminates the need for charging infrastructure. Soon to be in (high profile) service on Melbourne roads. #ElectricVehicles @storertim @BJafari pic.twitter.com/OVtF7af5r2
— SEA Electric (@seaelectricev) July 29, 2018
Well done Woolworths for starting the transition to EV. I’m proud of you. Hopefully we will see more woolworths EV trucks on the road and no more polluting diesel trucks in 4 years time
Haha, as an employee at toll I can tell you that these things are lemons. Not one single load of groceries has been delivered to a Woolworths store using an electric truck. These lemons are being trialled right now and even with the truck empty they are not getting anywhere near the advertised range out of a full charge. Just a massive wank so Woolworths can tell the public they are a green company,. Where do the morons think electricity comes from? Coal fired power plants ffs???
Even if the energy comes from coal fired power plants (which is slowly starting to be reduced thanks to investors acting despite a hostile regulatory framework), the benefits of electric trucks in our city are obvious: reduced noise and air pollution! These trucks are first generation and rather than knocking a company that has a go, I suggest we watch and learn.