Volta Power Systems has partnered with Hydrauliska Industri AB (Hiab) on hybrid-electric energy storage systems to power some WALTCO brand liftgates. With the Volta system, the liftgates can perform over 80 lifts on a single charge, significantly lowering idle time and carbon emissions to meet anti-idle regulations.
“State regulations to minimize carbon emissions are putting a pinch on drivers who can no longer rely on idling to power their lifts,” said Dan Knechtel, technical project manager at Hiab/WALTCO. “The hybrid-electric Volta system outperforms AGM batteries with eight times the capacity, and it empowers drivers to make deliveries all-day for multiple days before charging.”
Many states and cities have developed their own idle regulations. Idling allows trucks to power auxiliary tasks, like liftgates. Without idling trucks cannot maintain adequate power levels between stops, even when using multiple batteries per truck.
“Whether it’s no-idle in Chicago or five-minute idle on the east coast, drivers need the ability to make multiple stops and still operate their lifts while meeting regulations,” said Jack Johnson, co-founder of Volta Power Systems. “With the Volta system, drivers can run efficient routes and still have all the power they need to run their lifts, allowing them to save money, operate more efficiently and access more power.”
The Volta system creates enough energy to lift up to four times faster using a lighter, smaller system and less fuel overall. The industrial grade system lasts the life of the truck and decreases downtime, requiring less maintenance and saving money otherwise spent on replacement batteries.
“Hiab is the leading provider of on-road load handling equipment and with the Volta system, we can offer even more efficient products to our customers,” Knechtel said. “Not only does the Volta system save them on maintenance costs, but it also cuts down on missed or late deliveries due to road calls.
Hiab has installed the Volta system, equipped with a 300W solar panel, on several trucks. Trucks featuring the system will be on display at the TMC Annual 2019 Annual Meeting and the NTEA Work Truck Show in March.
