2024 Electric Vehicle Conversion Kit Program Inventory
We have discovered that in the realm of heavy-duty truck technology, there is an escalating trend of converting diesel-powered trucks to electric ones. Electric vehicle conversion kits are emerging as a crucial solution, especially in short-distance heavy-duty transportation scenarios. AEAUTO's innovative electric vehicle conversion kits are leading the way in this transformation. With its expertise in the field, AEAUTO has analyzed and studied representative models in the United States, Europe, and China to explore their advantages.
1. Pioneers of electric conversion kits in the United States
In the US market, two outstanding models equipped with electric conversion kits are the Freightliner eCascadia electric heavy-duty truck launched by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and the Peterbilt 579EV launched by Peterbilt. These models were tested even earlier than Tesla Semi, and more than 1,000 vehicles are currently in operation.
The Freightliner eCascadia makes good use of the electric conversion kit. Given that the wheelbase of a long-head heavy-duty truck is longer than that of a flat-head truck of the same tonnage, there is enough space for conversion without further lengthening the wheelbase. The conversion kit places the "small three electrics" (electronic control unit, air pump, steering oil pump, air conditioning compressor, radiator, etc.) in the original engine position. In diesel trucks, these components are mounted on the engine, but in the electric version, they are driven by a separate 24V motor. This setup increases the load on the front axle by arranging all the "small three electrics" in the original engine position. The three battery boxes are neatly arranged in the middle of the frame, similar to the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600.
The Detroit company's electric drive axle eliminates the need for a drive shaft and improves space utilization. The truck's motor is rated at 470 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 104 km/h (standard configuration) or 119 km/h (optional), a battery capacity of 438 kWh, a range of 354 kilometers, a charging power of 270 kW, a charging time of 90 minutes from 0% to 80%, a tractor curb weight of 9.9 tons, and can load about 22.1 tons of cargo. It has been used by several logistics companies in the United States for short and medium-distance transportation, saving more than 70% of fuel costs compared to diesel trucks.
Peterbilt 579EV also follows a similar approach to electric conversion kits. The main difference is the longitudinal arrangement of the battery boxes (a total of six, two large and two small on the sides, and two in the middle).
For the "small three electrics", Peterbilt integrates all the components into a frame for pre-assembly, and then installs them in place at one time on the general assembly line. This design facilitates rapid installation and enables mixed production of electric trucks and diesel trucks, improving production efficiency - a feature that is worth learning from Chinese heavy-duty truck manufacturers.
The truck's motor is rated at 536 horsepower, peak power is 670 horsepower, the battery capacity is 400 kWh, the cruising range is 241 kilometers (using 80% of the power), and the charging time is 3 hours. This truck is very suitable for driving about 200 kilometers a day in the United States and charging at night.
2. Excellent representative of European electric conversion kits
Volvo FM ELECTRIC from Europe represents another outstanding application of electric conversion kits. Since there are no special concessions for European electric heavy trucks in terms of total train length, the wheelbase remains unchanged. The kit uses a centralized drive, with two battery boxes on the left, three on the right, and one in the original engine position, with a total capacity of 540 kWh. The motor is rated at 666 horsepower and 4000 Nm of torque.
It directly uses the existing I-shift 12-speed AMT transmission, balancing the needs of high-speed efficiency and low-speed torque. With three motors driven in parallel, the model exceeds many European counterparts in performance. Although it weighs about 120 kg more than other models due to the use of a traditional transmission, its 300 km range (using 70% of the power) and 8.5 tons of curb weight put it in a leading position in lightweight design. Volvo's modular approach to battery boxes, motors, transmissions and electronics puts it in a leading position in the promotion of electric heavy trucks in Europe.
3.China AEAUTO's innovative move in electric conversion kits
In China, AEAUTO has demonstrated highly innovative applications for EV conversion kits. This kit places the battery at the rear, which is not only easy to replace, but also increases the center of gravity of the vehicle. However, it will increase the vehicle's roll when making sharp turns. It uses centralized drive and traditional leaf-less spring balanced bridge suspension, which can effectively cope with various road conditions. However, if an electric drive axle is used, it needs to be equipped with air suspension to avoid excessive impact on the axle, suspension and frame due to the increase in unsprung mass. The truck supports dual-gun DC fast charging and can be fully charged in just one hour.
These solutions show that new innovators have emerged in the heavy truck industry. In 2024, if you ask who has the best solution, there is only one answer. AEAUTO has made many achievements in the field of powertrain with its amazing strength. The electric conversion kit solution is already very mature, providing a complete set of electric drive system solutions and key components for small and medium-sized vehicle manufacturers to help customers complete vehicle system matching and engineering development. Comprehensively consider many factors such as power, economy, comfort, safety, etc., and optimize algorithms and control strategies. Successfully applied to heavy trucks, pickups, construction machinery, buses and other models.
What are the advantages of EV conversion kit?
EV conversion kits are proving themselves to be game changers in the heavy-duty truck industry, especially in short-distance heavy-duty transportation. Compared with new platforms, they have lower costs, shorter development cycles and stronger marketability, providing a practical and efficient solution for the transition to electric transportation.
