LiuGong debuts its Battery Electric Vehicles

By MEq September 18, 2019 11:03

As a high efficiency, low cost, clean and renewable energy, electric energy will inevitably replace fossil oils in the future, promoting the rapid development of global electrification. As a result, battery technologies have developed fast in terms of more energy and less cost, laying a solid foundation for the electrification of construction machinery.

At BICES 2019, LiuGong showcased 3 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including 2 excavators 906E-EV and 922F-EV as well as LiuGong’s star wheel loader, the 856H-EV.“The total operating cost of a battery-powered earthmover is, or soon will be, lower than that of a diesel-powered machine, depending on the exact customer application” stated Mr. Edward Wagner, Executive Director of LiuGong New Technology.

LiuGong’s new BEVs are designed for the new electric economy. They utilize a state-of-art, but well-proven, Lithium-ion battery systems for energy storage. That energy is directed into high-efficiency permanent magnet electric motors to create the motion necessary to drive the machines. The machines mechanical and hydraulic systems have been optimized for high efficiency: a typical BEV will have a peak power output that is 2 times greater than a conventional diesel power machine. This enables the battery-electric earthmovers to accelerate faster and perform more coordinated movements. The movements will also be more precise given the full electronic vehicle control. More powerful, quicker and more precise all add up to more productivity, which is raised more than 10% compared to that of a diesel machine.

Different from diesel-energy equipment, batteries are designed to last the full life of the machine. Also, the burdensome daily maintenance and regular service of the diesel engine are eliminated since the battery system and electric motor systems require zero maintenance over the life of the vehicle. Both save time, materials and money.

The first generation of LiuGong’s BEVs’ batteries is equipped with fast charging technology and innovative energy-saving technologies, which only need one hour to charge the battery 80% to full and can maintain longer working hours. The customer simply plugs the vehicle into the charger and walks away to go do other work. When the machine is ready, they un-plug and go to work. The entire process is vastly cleaner than refueling a diesel machine.

“We are committed to creating more value for our customers. And that is why LiuGong will never stop independent innovation.” said Mr. Zeng Guang’an, Chairman of LiuGong Group, at the launch ceremony for LiuGong’s BEVs.

The LiuGong’s 906E-EV excavator is an example of how quickly and easily a diesel machine can be converted to battery electric. This machine utilizes almost all of the diesel excavator’s hydraulic system allowing for a very short R&D time for conversion. It is equipped with a battery that is large enough for a full working day run time. Although it is a simple conversion, it is still a powerful, energy-saving and green new energy machine.

The striking new 922F-EV excavator is purely driven by electric power. The large battery pack is located centrally in the rear for optimum mass balance. The electric motor and hydraulic system have been optimally packaged to maximize operator visibility. The result is industry-leading operator visibility which will further enhance performance and efficiency. The visibility improvement to the operator’s right-hand side is especially improved well beyond any competitors’ machine.

A feature of the new 856H-EV is a pure electric driveline with regeneration. This improves operating performance and reduces energy consumption. The hydraulic system is electrically driven while using proven off the shelf components. Performance is incredible given the over 300kW peak power capability. The very large battery pack is located in the rear of the machine to replace the conventional counterweight. The overall vehicle layout and packaging yields operator visibility that is superior to today’s diesel wheel loader.

All three machines are designed using a new platform strategy. This means a very high degree of commonality of parts and systems across all of LiuGong’s new energy machines. This simplification of parts will further lower the total cost of ownership.

The customer who chooses the LiuGong family of new energy machines will be buying into a comprehensive new energy “ecosystem” that will minimize their cost of transition to electric machines. Part of this ecosystem is charging. This “one-stop-shop” will solve all the concerns of the customers.