Baumann, had launched a new high performance electric model, the ELX50, at LogiMAT in Stuttgart.
The model is the most compact of its kind ever produced, measuring less than four metres in length and 750mm in deck height. Managing director, Klaus Pirpamer, is clearly delighted with the results and expects the ELX50 to have a profound effect on future production. Said Klaus:
“We had a very clear brief. To produce a lighter, shorter, and more energy efficient electric model, without sacrificing the quality and durability that we have become famous for. The development was difficult, and raised many technical challenges that our team worked incredibly hard to overcome. The result is a model we are very proud of.”
The reduced overall length and improved turning circle have been achieved without sacrificing the mast or well width, clearance and low bed height, whilst the combination of 120 volt power supply and 2.5 tonnes weight reduction is expected to increase battery performance by up to 30%.
The ELX50 was designed and built from the ground up, following two years of painstaking research and development, and features a completely new chassis, battery and power train configuration. The low deck height allows customers to utilise racking under 800mm at the second row height, maximising storage capacities inside and out.
The operator cabin was also designed from scratch at Baumann’s Cavaion HQ, maintaining the company’s reputation for comfort and uncluttered operability, all within a reduced footprint.
“The war against weight was won,” says Technical Director, Riccardo Bove. “We achieved the results by looking at every component, every system and every material. The total weight saved was three tonnes, a huge amount for a small machine, and so much that it allowed us to add weight back in to improve weight distribution and operability.”
By reducing the size and weight of the machine, less power is needed to achieve high levels of performance, extending running time between charges. The reduction also provides further scope for battery integration, in this case a specially designed intelligent system developed in conjunction with Midac, which can be paired with a charger system to re-energise in mid-shift without damaging the cells. With an eye on the There’s also a battery change option thanks to Baumann designing their own battery box.
“The size, battery integration and cabin were all big challenges,” adds Riccardo, but the overall results add up to a truck that is much more than the sum of its parts. In our intensive work cycle trials, we’ve seen improvements in battery life of about 25 percent, but that it likely to increase even further in the field.”
Buoyed by the success of their recent FLTA innovation award win for the patented Archimedes outreach system, as well as this latest innovation, the Baumann team received a great deal of attention during the show. The work continues apace, however, says Klaus.
“It is sometimes difficult to convince customers of the benefit of a smaller size truck, but in this case there are so many advantages that, once in the field, it will set a new standard. We are seeing the market move towards electric power and this gives exactly the performance capabilities that customers need, but we still have a job to do to spread the word. Our prediction is that the demand for five tonnes diesel models will all but disappear. We expect the ELX50 will go a long way to shifting the market and help more than double our electric sales within the next three years.”
Baumann is a world-class manufacturer of sideloaders from three to 50 tonnes capacity with a reputation for consistent innovation, and the highest level of design and productivity. Based in Cavaion in Italy, the family-owned company has led the sector for over 40 years, and now sells its products worldwide through 106 dealers in 76 countries.
