An innovative electric truck from Designwerk has showcased remarkable energy efficiency during a challenging test run transporting marble in the South Tyrolean Alps.
The Designwerk electric truck, operated by German transport company Marx Transport, completed a demanding route through the Silandro National Park in Italy, navigating steep gradients and heavy loads while demonstrating exceptional energy recuperation capabilities.
Test drive highlights
The vehicle, a MID CAB 6x2R model with a 340 kWh battery capacity, undertook an 18km route with significant altitude variations. Key performance metrics included:
- Uphill journey (empty, 11.7 tonnes): 71 kWh energy consumption
- Downhill journey (loaded, 26.8 tonnes): 69 kWh energy recuperation
Alexander Marx, Managing Director of Marx Transport, commented: “We weren’t sure at first how well the electric drive would cope with the inclines and the heavy marble. And we didn’t expect such a high level of energy recovery.”
Energy efficiency comparison
The test revealed substantial differences between electric and diesel vehicle performance:
- Diesel truck: Approximately 100 litres of diesel per day (980 kWh)
- Electric truck: Around 96 kWh for four daily trips
The electric vehicle demonstrated potential savings of up to 17,503 Swiss francs during the 115-day marble mining season, alongside significantly reduced carbon emissions.
Technical capabilities
The truck navigated:
- Altitude difference of 1,500 metres
- Gradients up to 17%
- Transported 15 tonnes of Covelano marble
- Total vehicle weight of 26.8 tonnes
Samuel Arji, Sales Engineer at Designwerk, noted: “The test by Marx Transport proves the opposite of critics’ arguments and shows the advantages of battery-electric drives, especially in special areas of application.”
Environmental impact
During summer operations, the electric truck was estimated to reduce co2 emissions by 36 tonnes compared to its diesel equivalent, operating within the sensitive ecosystem of the national park.
Future potential
Designwerk suggests the vehicle demonstrates potential for decarbonising transport in specialised sectors, with configurations adaptable to specific operational requirements.
The company invites interested parties to contact them for further information and test drive opportunities.
