SEA Electric will launch the new SEA-Drive 250 power-system at North America’s Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, which runs 1-4 May.
The SEA-Drive 250 model (and the option RE model) is designed for vehicles with a GVWR/GCWR of up to 36,250kg, in Class 8 rigid or day-cab configurations.
In a major change, SEA Electric intends to pair the power-system with a 45kW hydrogen fuel cell, extending potential range, with the architecture set to have far-reaching implications in the sector.
The new designation for the SEA-Drive power-system joins other solutions developed by SEA Electric, namely the SEA-Drive 70, 100, 120 and 180, which have been proven in the field with more than three million kilometres of real-world use in a range of truck, bus and light commercial applications.
Featuring all of the attributes of the other systems available, the SEA-Drive 250 will feature maximum power of 500kW (670hp) and peak torque of 6200Nm (4579 lb/ft), with power drawn from a 250kWh battery pack.
“The SEA-Drive250 RE represents a major breakthrough for SEA Electric in our efforts to electrify the world’s commercial transport fleet,” said Tony Fairweather, SEA Electric founder and CEO.
“The power-system is perfectly suited to the rigours of lighter duty refuse collection, with the platform already proven in other deployments in the space via pure-battery powered configurations.
“For SEA Electric, this new product combination offers us the opportunity to branch out into some fantastic new areas and applications, which can now benefit from our leadership in the industry, such as day-cab and drayage tractor applications,” he said.
“In regard to the refuse industry, the SEA-Drive 250 RE will allow us to provide a solution for 95% of the market via any chassis combination.
“The combination of battery electric with the optional fuel cell extender will optimise weight and cost, whilst delivering the full fleet duty-cycle requirements, with performance that has never been seen before in this segment.
“One of the competitive advantages of the SEA-Drive power-system is that all ancillary functions are completely electrified, with all hydraulics systems involved in the compacting and operation of the refuse body completely managed by the integrated systems.
“What this means is that noisy refuse trucks will be a thing of the past, which is sure to be welcomed by anyone living in an urban environment.”
