Research institute TNO collaborates with startup XYZ Dynamics on emission-free city logistics. XYZ Dynamics is developing an electric powertrain mountable on Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), such as delivery vans.
According to research by consultancy Arthur D. Little, the Total Cost of Ownership increases by 67 per cent when using all-electric vans now on the market. This is a financial no-go for fleet owners. XYZ Dynamics aims to solve this problem with the AxLectric, a retrofit add-on electric drive system for LCVs being developed together with TNO.
This electric powertrain is mountable on light commercial vehicles. The AxLectric creates a hybrid powertrain and therefore optimises the use of a conventional and an electric powertrain, depending on where the vehicle is located. In this way, emission-free urban logistics can become a reality, according to both parties.
TNO and the startup are currently investigating the ideal battery composition and configuration for AxLectric series production. This involves modelling and testing different battery cells for specified design requirements that are important for implementation in LCVs. The findings of the research will be published in early 2020.
Image: Researchers Erik Hoedemaekers and Annekoos Schaap at the TNO battery cell test centre in Helmond.
