Designwerk MID CAB Lowliner 4x2T 340E Showfahrzeug "Elenore". Foto: Designwerk Technologies AG
Designwerk Technologies AG is currently offering interested parties the opportunity to test drive an all-electric MID CAB Semi Lowliner 4x2T. As the first e-truck provider with ongoing production of e-lowliners, the Swiss company Designwerk Technologies AG is now offering interested parties a rentable battery-electric lowliner for test purposes. The project is made possible by the cooperation with the German rental partner GTT Greiwing Truck & Trailer. “The test tour is aimed at fleet operators whose fleet consists of low-liner tractor units and who want to gain experience with e-mobility in this particular area of application,” says Fabian Bahlmann, Sales Manager, E-Trucks Europe North. The truck can be rented for two or four weeks. The test package can optionally be supplemented with a mobile DC fast charger. At the start of each test tour, a Designwerk expert will provide mini e-mobility training on operation and routes. At the end of the test phase, the user receives an individual evaluation with a personal final discussion. Demand for the test slots is high. A double-digit number of Designwerk e-trucks were purchased on the basis of positive subsidy notifications from the rental partner, meaning that new rental customers are also benefiting this year from the subsidies of the federal program for climate-friendly commercial vehicles and associated infrastructure (KsNI). This means that amortization is possible much earlier, increasing the interest of transport logistics companies.
The low coupling height of the battery-electric Lowliner semitrailer tractor from 937 millimetres enables the use of mega trailers for volume transport with a clear loading height of three meters. In combination with the Lowliner, up to 15 percent more volume capacity or 50 percent more load carriers can be transported compared to the conventional equivalent. The so-called mega trailers are primarily used in the automotive industry and numerous fleets are already using the Designwerk E-Lowliner in everyday operations. Due to their larger loading volume, they can use the entire three-metre-high loading space with the standardized load carriers. This is made possible by the heart of the tractor unit: the battery. Designwerk has developed a flat lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) for this purpose, which makes the particularly low overall height and therefore fifth wheel height possible. The LFP technology enables a very long service life of over 3000 charging cycles. With the installed battery capacity of 340 kilowatt hours, ranges of up to 260 kilometers are possible. The HIGH CAB cab option of the Lowliner is also available as a new aerodynamically optimized VENTURO version, which enables a reduction in consumption of up to five percent. Charging takes up to 150 kilowatts in 1.5 hours (10-80% SoC).
