Electro vehicle retrofit specialist Pepper Motion and axle producer BPW have forged a strategic partnership encompassing electrification solutions and telematics, a key element of which involves Pepper’s acquisition of the BAX 7.5 electric truck project from BPW.
The acquisition by Pepper Motion of the BAX electric truck, originally launched by BPW in October 2021, is at the centre of a new strategic partnership between the two companies which will see them collaborate on digital services, parts procurement, and electrification solutions for trailers and their integration with tractors. Pepper Motion has incorporated the BAX 7.5 electric truck into its portfolio of battery electric trucks and buses. The full spectrum of product responsibilities, including sales, marketing, and after-sales, has now transitioned to Pepper Motion. BPW, in turn, continues to supply Pepper with essential components such as the all-electric eTransport axle drive.
Originating from a collaboration between BPW and Paul Nutzfahrzeuge, the BAX 7.5 is priced at €155,000 and is also available with leasing options. The vehicle provides two distinct wheelbases – 3,465 and 4,475 mm – and offers battery options with capacities of 84 or 126kWh, delivering ranges of 130 or 200km. Notably, the BAX features an integrated axle drive with two electric motors in the rear axle.
“We are delighted to have found a long-term, strategic partner in pepper, who is an expert in climate-neutral vehicle and drive concepts and, like us, stands for technical innovation. With the development of the production-ready 7.5-ton e-truck BAX, we at BPW have taken an important step towards decarbonizing road freight transport. Within our core business of chassis systems, sustainable solutions for the transport of goods continue to be a strategically important area of business,” says Markus Schell, managing partner at BPW.
“The BAX ideally expands our product portfolio, and we can now serve a promising market segment with this high-quality vehicle model in the short term. In the medium term, the BAX technology is a valuable basis in the development of further electrification solutions for the 7.5-ton market,” explains Andreas Hager, CEO of pepper. “A 125-year company history speaks for itself – with BPW, we are gaining a reliable and innovative partner with whom we have a lot in common. Our mutual goal is to continue to push CO2 neutrality in the commercial vehicle sector with innovative emission-free products and solutions.”
