Swiss eMobility specialist Designwerk has announced that it will be using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in its electric trucks from next year. The company has also revealed details about the LFP battery and the vehicle in which it will be installed. The LFP cells, with an energy density of 141 Wh/kg, will be used in Designwerk batteries with a capacity of 170 kWh of energy from the beginning of 2024. This battery system will power the High Cab Semi Lowliner 4x2T, which can carry up to 15% more volume capacity or a third level of cage pallets for automotive applications.
See also: Designwerk Launches New Generation of Battery Systems for Electric Vehicles
Designwerk’s Thomas Prohaska, Product Manager of Battery Systems, cited the high number of charging cycles and the long service life of LFP cells as further advantages. “With LFP cells, we expect the end of life after at least 3,000 cycles, with NMC cells it is reached after about 2,000 cycles,” Prohaska said. This means that even with smaller capacities, the technology fulfils the longevity requirements comparable to conventional powertrains with combustion engines.
Compared to NMC cells, LFP cells do not require critical materials such as nickel, cobalt or manganese. The lowered tractor unit of the High Cab Semi Lowliner is based on a Volvo FH chassis and has a fifth-wheel height of at least 937 millimetres. The unladen weight of the 40-tonne vehicle with an LFP battery is 9,550 kilograms.
Companies in long-distance transport logistics that require high energy densities due to the required range will continue to receive high-voltage battery systems with nickel-manganese-cobalt cell technology (NMC) from Designwerk. Designwerk manufactures both high-voltage battery systems at its Swiss plant in Winterthur.
With the use of LFP cells, Designwerk is making strides towards environmentally-friendly and sustainable transport solutions. The company’s commitment to developing electric trucks with longer ranges and more efficiency will be a welcome change for the industry.
