Irizar Group has presented its new Irizar ie truck, an electric vehicle that is part of its range of zero emissions products.

The electric truck has a CNG range extender to allow it to drive in electric mode in cities while extending its autonomy and working time using an engine that runs on natural gas.

The first prototype is equipped with a side loading body for waste collection, and is expected to be available in the marketplace within the coming months. Different variations of the purely electric truck are under development, which will add to the company’s range of zero-emissions vehicles.

The goal when developing the vehicle was to eliminate both atmospheric and acoustic emissions. Its low noise levels allow operation at night to reduce traffic issues during more congested periods.

The truck includes pioneering technology developed within the Irizar Group that has already been used in the company’s electric buses, energy storage and control electronics. Regenerative braking enables capture and use of kinetic energy as much as possible to help power the truck.

The truck is a 6×2 8m long model with a carrying capacity of 18 tonnes. It includes a pneumatic door that swings inwards to avoid it hitting any obstacles in the road. It also has anti-entrapment sensors, a photocell and a sensitive edge on the leaf.

The truck is equipped with the latest technology in active safety and has stability control. A built-in camera and front radar sensor detect lane changes and alert the driver if the vehicle swerves unintentionally. It also has emergency assisted braking (AEBS), which activates the emergency brake if the vehicle gets too close to the vehicle in front of it and the driver doesn‘t react in time.

The suspension has automatic levelling and provides special functions for different applications.

The cabin was developed for urban applications. It can carry four people and the low position of the driver’s seat, width of the windscreens and side windows, and ergonomic access to all the controls and dashboard, were designed to ensure optimal operator comfort.