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Avant Tecno unveils electric loader with Proprietary Battery Technology

2023-07-14

Avant Tecno has introduced two new fully electric loader models, namely the Avant e527 and Avant e513. These loaders come with Avant Tecno's exclusive battery technology, developed by their subsidiary called Avant Power. The OptiTemp batteries, available in 27kWh and 13kWh options, offer twice the capacity of batteries from other manufacturers. They also incorporate a unique thermal management system that allows the loaders to maintain their full capacity even in extreme temperatures as low as 22°F. In terms of performance, these electric loaders deliver the same power as Avant's 500 series loaders with diesel engines.

Mikko Piepponen, the Chief Operating Officer at Avant Power Oy, explains the company's motivation behind producing their own batteries, "Avant Tecno has been engaged in electric loader research and development since the 1990s, and we introduced our first fully electric loader back in 1997. After decades of working with electric loaders and batteries, we realised that there was no battery pack in the world perfectly optimised for compact loaders. That's why we made the decision to manufacture our own batteries."

The e527 model provides 6 hours of operation time on a single charge, which is equivalent to a full day of work according to Avant Tecno. On the other hand, the e513 model offers 3 hours of operation time when fully charged. Recharging the batteries is convenient, as the rapid charger can replenish the battery in just 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the built-in onboard charger takes five hours for the e513 and 10 hours for the e527.

The battery's temperature control system automatically activates when the battery is connected to a charger. At the beginning of the workday, when the loader is unplugged, the battery temperature is optimised for operation and adjusted based on the prevailing weather conditions. In cold weather, the battery self-preheats before use. Throughout operation, the temperature management system maintains the appropriate operating temperature.

Avant emphasises that the OptiTemp system ensures the batteries' safety. Specially designed liquid within the battery modules controls heat transfer between cells, preventing overheating. The cells themselves are safeguarded by fuses and isolated from each other on multiple levels.

Jani Käkelä, the CEO of Avant Tecno, comments on the collaboration with Avant Power and the advantages of their developed batteries: "The partnership with Avant Power and their battery development has allowed us to create the kind of electric loaders that the market has longed for. Extended working time and more affordable pricing have been significant concerns with electric loaders until now. With the new e5 models, we aim to address both these challenges."

These electric loaders were initially launched at bauma 2022 and made their debut in North America at ConExpo 2023.

Quick Specs:

Avant e513:

- Voltage: 44V

- Capacity: 13 kWh

- Operation Time*: 3 hours

- Lift Capacity: 1,984 lbs

- Lift Height: 110 inches

- Drive Speed: 6.2 mph

- Auxiliary Hydraulics: 7.9 gpm

Avant e527:

- Voltage: 44V