Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) announced the expansion of its solutions portfolio into the rapidly growing construction industry.
In partnership with Shannxi Automotive, the world’s tenth largest medium and heavy duty truck manufacturer, the companies are introducing an industry-first, zero-emissions, plug-in hybrid electric cement mixer truck–created to significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption in China.
The collaboration integrates the Efficient Drivetrains EDI PowerDrive 8000 PHEV drivetrain and EDI PowerSuite vehicle control software into a Shaanxi Automotive, Class-8, 32-ton cement mixer truck. The initial vehicle is currently in final stages of integration and testing, and will be completed for field deployment in Q4 of 2017.
The immense scale of urbanization in China—the fastest in history, paired with rigorous government-led mandates to reduce emissions has created a substantial rise in the electrification of medium and heavy duty vehicles. Shaanxi Automotive has proactively committed to new energy as part of its portfolio of vehicle offerings, and continues to lead the way in providing zero-emissions vehicles featuring electric as a primary fuel source–comprising almost 50% of its market share.
The collaboration between Efficient Drivetrains and Shaanxi Automotive to capture the construction industry marks the third successful initiative for the two companies, with PHEV mass transit and port truck offerings available today as part of previous engagements.
With the integration of EDI’s drivetrain and vehicle control software into the Class-8 PHEV cement mixer truck—fleet operators will benefit from significant reduction in fuel consumption, and eliminates the need for engine idle by electrifying the operation of the mixer. Truck operators will experience the expected full power vehicle performance of the OEM, while eliminating harmful emissions. The demonstration vehicle also utilizes a low-cost drivetrain system, which makes electrification of construction vehicles an affordable option for OEMs in China.
