The Asiastar range of electric light duty vans and cab chassis has been launched in Australia by Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) and it’s more than another EV option for Fleet Managers planning the transition to low emission transport.
While the pricing looks attractive and there are multiple configurations available to suit most applications, the most exciting feature is the eAxle setup for the drivetrain.
An eAxle is where the drive motor is mounted directly to the rear axle which eliminates the propeller shaft and other components. FMD claim the eAxle provides a weight saving of around ten per cent, while the removal of various components from the driveline improves efficiency by five to ten per cent.
Reduced weight means more payload; and increased efficiency from the drive train means more range. These are two of the challenges facing Fleet Managers trying to find light commercial vehicles that are fit-for-purpose for their fleets.
The third and main challenge slowing electric vehicle transitions for businesses is cost. In theory, less components should also mean lower prices.
FMD have indicated the Asiastar range of electric light commercial vans and cab chassis will offer great value to last-mile companies, local government use, community transport, aged care, and patient transport.
Larger batteries
Another important feature of the eAxle setup is the space left between the chassis allows for a bigger battery. The Asiastar range will initially come with two battery options depending on the model. The smaller one will be 70kWh and the larger one will be 105.6hWh.
A larger battery weighs more which reduces payload. However with improvements in battery technology moving at a significant pace, future models should feature bigger batteries with little or no impact on the payload.
