Flexible power banks promote heavy vehicle electrification

Electric commercial vehicle charging solutions provider TUAL announced its “state-of-the-art, highly flexible” PowerBank Pro-Charging offering for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) in September 2024.

As the global push towards electrifying transportation intensifies, the eHGVs sector has remained underserved.

According to TUAL, the lack of public megawatt charging infrastructure is a major hurdle, leaving fleet operators and logistics companies grappling with limitations of current charging solutions, which is to charge at base – significantly limiting the range of use-cases for 16-t to 44-t vehicles.

TUAL is addressing this gap with its innovative, 120 kWh and 180 kWh swappable power bank solutions, which will increase vehicle uptime while ensuring route flexibility and extending an eHGV’s stem mileage by up to 193 km, depending on the application.

The transportation industry is at a “crossroads”, with regulatory pressures and sustainability goals driving a rapid shift towards zero-emission vehicles.

However, the transition to eHGVs has been hindered by the almost complete absence of robust and accessible megawatt charging networks.

Current public charging infrastructure is not only inaccessible and underpowered for these heavy-duty vehicles but would also contribute to significant operational downtime – impacting productivity, profitability, and vehicle viability.

TUAL’s swappable power banks represent a breakthrough in addressing the immediate charging needs of eHGVs.

Developed in collaboration with some of Europe’s largest fleet operators, these power banks offer a modular solution that can be integrated into existing eHGV platforms.

This technology has enabled haulage fleet operators to maintain continuous operations without relying on the UK’s underdeveloped megawatt charging infrastructure.

“The transition to eHGVs is essential for achieving our environmental targets, but they are handicapped by limited range,” explains TUAL CEO Philip Clarke, adding that TUAL’s swappable power banks are designed to “bridge the gap” between the needs of the sector and the limitations of the current charging infrastructure.

“This technology is ready for deployment now, offering a viable alternative to the long-mooted and long-delayed public megawatt charging network.”

Unlike traditional charging, which can take hours, TUAL’s power banks can be swapped out in under five minutes, ensuring that vehicles spend more time on the road and less time charging.

It should be noted that the modular nature of TUAL’s power banks can be scaled to meet the specific needs of different electric light commercial vehicle and eHGV fleet sizes.

This flexibility is crucial for operators looking to futureproof their fleets as vehicle and battery technologies evolve.

The use of TUAL’s swappable power banks allows fleets to operate independently of the existing grid infrastructure, which is often non-existent or insufficient. This independence will not only enhance operational efficiency, but also reduce the strain on local power grids.

TUAL’s technology will also enable eHGVs to extend their range and operational hours.

Additionally, the use of TUAL’s swappable power banks is a critical step towards realising the full potential of eHGVs.

By addressing the current infrastructure challenges head-on, TUAL is not only facilitating the adoption of eHGVs but also setting a new standard for what is possible in sustainable road transport.