Designwerk introduces fully electric lowliner truck

The Swiss e-mobility specialist Designwerk unveiled the High Cab for the first time at a customer event in Mendig (Eifel), an all-electric lowliner. The lowered tractor unit is built on a Volvo FH base chassis and features a 15% larger transport volume and 50% more load carriers compared to conventional construction. The low coupling height of a minimum of 937 mm provides the new electric truck with a 3 m clear internal loading height.

LFP Batteries

Instead of NMC batteries, which Designwerk typically uses, the High Cab is equipped with cost-effective, self-manufactured LFP batteries with cells from a Chinese manufacturer, with a capacity of 338 kWh, of which 311 kWh (92% DoD) are usable. This reduces acquisition costs. Depending on the application, logistics service providers can travel up to 250 km on a single charge. The Swiss manufacturer states an average consumption of 125 kWh/100 km. The e-Lowliner can be DC charged from 10 to 80% SoC with up to 350 kW in less than 45 minutes.

Production Start: February 2024

The new model can be ordered immediately, with production starting in February 2024. The 40-tonner has a power output of 450 kW and is gear and clutch-free with its single-speed transmission. German companies have already applied for subsidies for at least 34 High-Cab-Lowliners.

57% CO₂ Reduction

In a well-to-wheel analysis, the electric lowliner reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 57% compared to a lowered truck with a conventional drive in Germany, and by up to 79% in Switzerland due to the high proportion of renewable energy in the electricity mix.

Logistics service providers and transport companies with volume-sensitive cargo, as well as automotive suppliers, thus benefit from quieter, lower-emission, and more efficient logistics. (CEO Adrian Melliger)

About Designwerk

Since 2008, Designwerk has been developing and manufacturing electric trucks in small series, mobile fast chargers, battery-buffered fast charging stations in the megawatt range, and modular high-voltage battery systems. With the four different truck models High Cab, Mid Cab, Mid Cab X, and Low Cab, the Swiss e-mobility specialist offers various solutions for both transport and disposal logistics, as well as for municipalities and agricultural enterprises.

Technical Data: Designwerk High Cab Semi Lowliner 4x2T (340 LFP)

• Chassis: 4x2T, full air suspension
• Cabin: High Cab (HC)
• Total train weight: 40 t + up to 2 t
• Empty weight (without body): 9,550 kg
• Weight of batteries: 2,400 kg
• Installed/usable battery capacity: 338/311 kWh (92% DoD)
• Cycle number (depending on load profile, DoD, and temperatures): >3,500 charging cycles
• Charging time with Type 2 AC 22 kW (100% SoC): 14.1 hrs.
• Charging time with Type 2 AC 44 kW (100% SoC): 7.0 hrs.
• Charging time with CCS Type 2 150 kW (10 – 80% SoC): 1.5 hrs.
• Range (Ø consumption 125 kWh/100 km): up to 250 km
• Motor power: 450 kW
• Transmission: Single-speed, shift- and clutch-free
• Electric auxiliary drives: E-PTO, up to 125 kW, 330 Nm
• Hitching height: from 937 mm
• Nominal hitching height in driving mode: from 912 mm