Dana has unveiled two concept vehicles as a visual demonstration of the combined performance and efficiency capabilities of its range of electric technologies working together.
The first public appearance of both the custom 1.5-ton (3,300-lb) mini-excavator and mid-sized aerial work platform (AWP) with 18-meter (60 foot) platform height was on the company’s demo stand at the Bauma 2019 construction trade fair in Munich, Germany this week.
Stripping out the traditional diesel-powered systems on both vehicles and replacing them with Dana’s portfolio of drive and motion technologies, traction control and speed benefits were among the notable improvements.
Featuring more than 30 of the firm’s products, the AWP includes Dana’s Spicer electrified e-axle that is powered by an integrated motor and inverter for front steering, while the rear is equipped with two Spicer electrified e-hub drives
“This package brings together all these technologies in a modular package that can be fine-tuned for a variety of vehicle sizes and performance capabilities,” said Ettere Cosoli, vice president of Global Engineering at Dana, officially announcing the vehicle’s to an audience of Bauma attendees on the company’s stand earlier today. “This optimised combination of electrified drive components reduces power losses by 20% when compared with traditional diesel-powered suspensions.
“The AWP has an electronic differential and torque vectoring control that manages power distribution to the wheel ends to provide necessary tractive force in a controlled and safe manner.
“Additionally, it employs a stability control system that monitors the distribution of weight across the machine and automatically takes action to prevent tip-over accidents,” he said.
The accompanying mini-excavator relies on electric motors and inverters – including four Spicer electrified e-hubs – to power the vehicle’s drive and motion functions, while a new Brevini hydraulic smart block manages the vehicle’s work functions.
All told, the vehicle provides a maximum speed of 4km/h (2.5mph), while the vehicle performs tasks more efficiently and precisely than comparable diesel-driven machines.
Cosoli added, “Replacing this mini-excavators engine and transmission with an e-mobility package that includes our drive and motion technologies, it offers a top travel speed twice as fast as the Diesel engine version of this machine originally.”
