Kubota | Electric compact wheel loaders

Kubota | Electric Compact Wheel Loaders

Transport is a major factor in the acceleration of global warming, accounting for around one-fifth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As temperatures rise and natural disasters become more frequent, the urgency to address climate change is greater than ever.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for electric wheel loaders. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Reducing CO2 emissions necessitates a switch from carbon-based fuels to sustainable alternatives. With the rise of electric vehicles, this transition is already well underway in private and public transport. However, commercial vehicles like trucks and ships require significantly more energy and have been powered by energy-dense diesel or heavy fuel oil for nearly a century.

Innovations in Electric Wheel Loaders

Advanced Hardware Integration

We used Editron hardware exclusively to build the wheel loaders’ electric system. Editron motors and inverters drive both the propel and work functions, while DC-DC converters and LCL filters manage power. Separating the propel and hydraulic work functions also plays a critical role in the subsystems’ dimensioning.

The propel function includes a single EM-PMI375-T800 motor with two EC-C1200-450 inverters. The motor connects to a two-speed gearbox, which transfers torque to either the front or rear axle. The hydraulic work function uses our EM-PMI240-T180 motor and EC-C1200 inverter to drive a Danfoss Series 45 hydraulic pump. Decoupling the work function from the propel system allows variable control of the pump’s input speed, reducing power consumption and optimizing efficiency. The electric motor's quick speed adjustment enhances the loader's boom response, making it easier to operate.

Power Management and Distribution

The system’s power distribution is managed by several Editron power electronic components. These components direct power to and from the two onboard batteries and the grid connection for charging. The main energy storage includes an 800V battery and a 24V battery for auxiliary functions. Our EC-IDC24 DC-DC converter adjusts voltage levels between the 24V battery and the system, while the EC-C1200-450 converter with our EC-LCL1200 filter manages the main battery’s charging. These components enable a complete electric system from the Editron portfolio.

Additionally, the displays, joysticks, pedals, and controllers for software are all sourced from the DPS portfolio. By combining this hardware with software developed and managed through our PLUS+1® tools, Danfoss showcases the portfolio's breadth and internal expertise to support the next generation of electrified off-highway solutions.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website tri axle trucks.

Software Overview

With modern advancements in electronic controls, today's off-highway machines are increasingly complex and advanced. Developing and controlling these machines require extensive software development and tools to support their lifecycle. Our PLUS+1® platform has been heavily invested in to meet these needs.

Within PLUS+1®, developers have access to numerous pre-developed function blocks, libraries, and compliance blocks for our hardware, including third-party components. A recent addition is our Editron Motor Control (MCU) Block, compatible with the EC-C1200-450 to drive our motors. This block enabled our engineering teams to write the software controlling the vehicle, building upon existing hydrostatic systems blocks and libraries.

The PLUS+1® environment offers various benefits, providing a complete ecosystem for users to design from scratch or import existing code. Regardless of current hydraulic applications, OEMs face challenges in understanding electric components like inverters, batteries, and charging systems. Developing this POC solution in PLUS+1® allowed us to create an exceptional solution, developing new software that can be shared with customers to expedite their development processes.

Performance and Improvements

The transition to battery electric vehicles offers significant performance improvements. As the technology, charging infrastructure, and knowledge of these vehicles progress, solutions incorporating electrification benefits will surpass diesel counterparts and become market standards.

For more details, kindly visit tri axle dumptruck.