Webasto and E.C.E: Emission-free on the construction site

Webasto supports the Dutch start-up E.C.E with its battery technology and associated thermal management when converting excavators. After battery-powered solutions in ground support, in municipal vehicles and in local public transport, Webasto, system partner for electromobility, is now driving the electrification of construction machinery with the Dutch start-up Electric Construction Equipment (E.C.E). In addition, Webasto E.C.E supports the conversion of two different excavator models.

Based on E.C.E’s detailed specifications, the company supplies an interchangeable battery pack, the so-called PowerBox, for the two models Doosan DX165W Electric and Doosan DX300LC Electric. The excavators are each equipped with four standard battery systems in a separate and interchangeable box. Overall, this battery pack has a capacity of 140 kWh. The packages each form an independent system and were developed by E.C.E entirely with Webasto components. Each package has a self-contained heating and cooling system. Since the battery packs in the system provide a total voltage of 800 volts, the power loss on the transport route is also reduced and the transmission losses are minimized.

Conversion from a single source

Webasto’s Vehicle Interface Box (VIB) acts as an efficient interface between multiple batteries and the vehicle and combines the functions of a power distributor, battery management system (BMS) and fuses in a robust housing. The BMS is responsible for monitoring and controlling the entire battery system as well as communicating with the other components of the vehicle. Webasto also helped design the heating and cooling system. It ensures that the battery does not overheat during the charging process and always maintains an optimal temperature. This creates a comprehensive, modular battery system for use in commercial vehicles.

Power for the entire working day

“Just like before, the excavators are available for the whole working day, a total of eight hours. At the same time, we made sure that they can perform the same tasks perfectly at -10 to 35 degrees Celsius,” explains Sebastian Fuchs, Product Manager Batteries at Webasto. “The replaceable battery packs can also be brought to a charging point and charged there. That helps if there is no charging station on a construction site or in a natural area.” The vehicle components also meet the requirements of the UN/ECE-R100 standard. This European guideline defines safety-related requirements for electric vehicles such as the minimum insulation resistance of HV components and cables as well as thermal, mechanical and electrical battery testing.

Further projects are planned

The two partners also have common plans for the future: in the long term, E.C.E is aiming to electrify all of its vehicles that are used on construction sites. Battery packs can also serve as a replacement for generators and supply power to tools, for example. www.webasto-group.com

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