New Mobility Solutions: The transformation for commercial and leisure vehicles is gaining momentum

As such, Markus Emmert, Executive Board Member of the German association of E-mobility (Bundesverband eMobilität (BEM)), Dr. Martin Šoltés, Managing Director of EVUM Motors GmbH as well as AL-KO representatives Harald Hiller (President & CEO at the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group),  Erwin Gentner, (Managing Director of Alois Kober GmbH) and Dr. Frank Sager (Senior Vice President R&D at the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group) offered insights into the latest mobility solutions as well as the transformation process in the industry.
The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group has been working with alternative drives for commercial and leisure vehicles for over ten years and is thus considered one of the pioneers in the industry. Even back in 2010, the Group presented an initial solution at a leisure vehicle trade fair in the form of the Electric Power Chassis.

The most important news from the virtual press event at a glance:

Günzburg-Deffingen E-Factory
The assembly plant of the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group in Günzburg-Deffingen, also known as the E-Factory, continues to form an important strategic pillar of the company. “Thanks to our strategy which focuses on small to medium quantities, we are able to ramp up production in a swift and efficient manner and in doing so present ourselves to third parties as an optimum partner for industrial series production. This applies to vehicles with a state-of-the-art E-drive but also conventional vehicles with a combustion engine, explains Harald Hiller, President & CEO at AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group.
AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group has taken over the electrification of various commercial vehicle models on site for ABT e-Line since April 2019. Indeed, several thousand vehicles have since been converted to environmentally-friendly E-drives. An announcement was also made at the press event stating that the successful collaboration will be extended until the end of 2022.

Hybrid Power Chassis and Green Trailer: Key platforms in the field of E-mobility
One challenge posed by E-mobility is the currently low range. The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group has already implemented innovative concept vehicles to overcome this challenge. “We are currently striving with the Green Trailer Platform – previously known as the Next Generation Trailer Platform – for a 48 V solution, with the added benefit of range optimisation and intelligent comfort functions at reasonable prices”, comments Dr. Frank Sager, Senior Vice President R&D at the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group. “CO2 emissions during trailer driving are optimised and the decrease in range is lowered, thanks to an integrated approach which combines lightweight technology, aerodynamics and sustainable materials. And what’s more, this is at marketable additional costs.”

Even with the Hybrid Power Chassis (HPC), years of intensive research and development are certainly paying off. After presenting it as a concept study at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 in Hanover, last year the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group heralded the implementation phase for the HPC platform. The hybrid concept, developed jointly with Huber Automotive, is based on the versatile AL-KO lightweight chassis, which as a system carrier enables modular use of the battery packs and electric drive components and at the same time offers the best possible battery conservation. The electrified rear axle with a peak power of 124 kW can be switched on as required. The battery capacity is designed for an all-electric range between 50 and 100 km, depending on customer requirements. Series production launch is planned for the end of 2023.

EVUM Motors and AL-KO: Heading to the future together
The Munich-based start-up EVUM Motors started selling its robust and versatile electric transporter, the aCar, mid-way through last year. The aCar features an all-electric drive and runs without noise pollution or local emissions. Additional versions are now on the cards with a longer wheelbase using AL-KO chassis. “We are delighted to be extending our cooperation. Our systems expertise mean we are also able to support EVUM Motors with seating and axle systems”, adds Harald Hiller.

AL-KO chassis available once again for VW Transporter T6.1
Volkswagen commercial vehicles are now relying on AL-KO chassis once again for their Transporter T6.1. By changing over to AL-KO and owing to the associated intelligent lightweight construction technology, the vehicle now has a permitted gross weight of 3,500 kg rather than 3,200 kg, resulting in an extra load capacity of 300 kg. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is available as standard to Volkswagen Transporters with AL-KO chassis. The variety of wheelbases and thus the wider range of body lengths should also be highlighted. The Volkswagen T6.1 is available for the time being with a combustion engine.

Additional images and videos on the digital tour of the E-Factory in Günzburg can be downloaded here. The recording of the virtual press conference can be viewed at any time via this link: https://youtu.be/4eAthXebM6g