EV truck sets new range world record
A new electric truck has set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered without stopping to recharge. The 19-tonne e-truck was converted from a Volvo FH by Futuricum and had been run by DPD Switzerland for delivery operations for six months.
For the record-breaking attempt, a special project team from Futuricum, DPD and Continental tyres succeeded in covering 1,099km (683 miles) on a single charge, in 23 hours.
Zero emission technology for heavy commercial vehicles is still in its infancy, with battery electric and hydrogen options struggling to meet either the range or affordability targets of truck operators.
But the success of the 680hp Futuricum, with a 680kWh battery pack, suggests that sustainable, cost-efficient and practical solutions do exist.
Marc Frank, Strategy & Innovation Director at DPD Switzerland, said: “We decided to invest in electric mobility at an early stage. The Futuricum truck has been traveling between the depot in Möhlin near Basel to the distribution centre in Buchs/Zurich for about six months. The e- truck can master the roughly 300km every day without any problems.”
The record-breaking drive took place at Continental’s in-house test centre near Hanover, and saw the truck roll on low rolling resistance Continental EfficientPro tyres, maintaining an average speed of 50kmh (31mph).
Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development Truck Tyres EMEA of Continental, said: “The upturn in electric mobility has put an even greater focus on the importance particularly rolling resistance optimised tyres. Our tyres enable high mileage and extremely low rolling resistance and thus offers the essential characteristics for the economical operation of electrically powered commercial vehicles.”
Image: Futuricum
