Charge R&D says it is developing electric drivelines for commercial vehicles in the 2.5 to 26 tonnes range that will cut carbon fuel usage by a factor of at least three, compared to diesel designs.
Most importantly, the Enstone, Oxfordshire-based company – which has “substantial financial backing” from new international investment firm Kinetik – suggests its offerings will be “game-changing”, due to low cost and high scalability.
Saint states that Charge’s new drivelines, which begin testing this month, will come to market “at a price comparable to a conventional carbon fuel solution, excluding the battery”.
“We believe there is a real opportunity for a low emission truck and bus range-extended electric platform that is a revolutionary departure from current chassis designs in layout and low weight, with a high degree of zero emissions capability,” says Saint.
“It will be financially attractive to operate without external incentives, while offering operators advanced features new to the commercial vehicle sector,” he adds.
The prototype, now entering track testing, is a proof of performance engineering demonstration truck.
Saint says that Charge R&D will sell its new technology to both truck and bus manufacturers, and he adds that several OEMs and investors from Europe and Asia have already “expressed interest”.