New electric power takeoff system showcased at Elmia Lastbil truck show

The recent Elmia Lastbil truck show, at Jönköping in Sweden, featured a demonstration of a new electric power takeoff (ePTO) system.

The joint venture between Volvo (67%) and HiAb (33%) currently consists of HiAb’s X-HiPro 192 crane fitted to a Euro-6 Volvo FH, powered by a 40kW lithium-ion battery pack.

This is enough to power the crane for around 2.5 hours, which is considered to be enough for a typical day’s operation. The chassis mounted battery pack takes six hours for a full overnight charge, with a quick charge facility able to restore 80% of capacity in 50 minutes. The operational benefits are primarily environmental, greatly reducing noise and producing no exhaust emissions while in use, particularly aiding use in night-time and indoor situations.

The electric pump which powers the existing hydraulic system has three levels of operation depending on load. Even at full power, the system appears no noisier than a domestic vacuum cleaner. The first operational vehicle is currently working on the construction of a new hospital in Stockholm.

The system could be used to power other hydraulic equipment, although its benefits for hook-loader applications are restricted by the need to move the truck during deployment. Marketing of the system is planned to be via vehicle suppliers, where it is expected to add the equivalent of £50 per week to leasing costs, but with significant fuel savings compared with diesel. There is also an 800kg weight penalty.

At this stage of its development, the system is only available in Sweden but will be extend to other markets in time.