NAA Member News: Electra Commercial Vehicles Collaborate to Develop Revolutionary Electric Air Refuelling Vehicle
Electra Commercial Vehicles, a leading innovator in electric and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, today announced a ground-breaking collaboration to develop revolutionary electric air refuelling vehicles.
This partnership, which also involves Fluid Transfer International & Fluid Transfer Europe SAS an innovative refuelling solutions and body manufacturer for the aviation industry.
Tight Deadline
Electra’s modular build and ever-progressive design and engineering team were able to work seamlessly with Air bp and Fluid Transfer to successfully deliver such a unique engineering feat within an extremely tight deadline. This truly showcases Electra’s capabilities. Incorporating the unique safety elements requested, the first vehicle was handed over to Cannes Airport this week, going straight into service operation, with several other vehicles imminently destined for operation across the UK and Europe.
Electra’s Pioneering Design: Specifications and Safety Features
This vehicle showcases Electra’s ability to adapt and create clean technology solutions, highlighting their commitment to safety and innovation in the commercial vehicle industry.
Basic Specifications:
Refuelling Capacity: 20,000 litres
• This impressive capacity ensures efficient refuelling for a wide range of light and commercial aircraft
Battery Capacity: 210 kWh
• The battery capacity can allow for over 100,000 litres of refuelling operation without the need for frequent recharging.
Charging Capability 150 kW DC, 22 AC
• This high charging power enables rapid recharging during downtime at airports, ensuring minimal delays and maximum efficiency.
Electric Power Take Off (ePTO): 70 kW
• The powerful ePTO supports an electric motor attached to a hydraulic pump. This system efficiently runs the fuel pump, ensuring a constant and smooth power supply for the hydraulic pump to meet system requirements.
Battery Charging ‘State of Charge’ Lights
• Clearly visible lights indicate the current charge level of the battery displayed In the front grill of the vehicle, allowing operators to easily monitor and manage battery usage and charging cycles from across the airfield.
Safety Features
Electra worked closely with Air bp developing several unique safety features that are not only innovative in the electric refueler world but could also be adopted in the wider market. Electra’s dedication to integrating advanced safety measures and efficient operational capabilities sets their electric air refuelling vehicle apart, ensuring reliability and environmental responsibility in commercial aviation refuelling.
Electra’s dedication to integrating advanced safety measures and efficient operational capabilities sets their electric air refuelling vehicle apart, ensuring reliability and environmental responsibility in commercial aviation refuelling.
Meeting Stringent Deadlines
The urgency of addressing climate change is undeniable. Governments around the world are setting increasingly strict deadlines for emission reductions. The electric air refuelling vehicle is a direct response to these regulations, offering a viable solution for airlines to meet upcoming environmental targets.
“This is another great leap forward for Electra,” said Ben Smith, Managing Director of Electra Commercial Vehicles. “Working with other companies that have a clear vision for clean commercial transportation solution, combining their expertise with our innovative electric vehicle technology, we can expedite the adoption of this clean solution and revolutionise the way aeroplanes are refuelled”
Future plans
Electra’s recent relocation to a larger facility means their manufacturing capacity has dramatically increased. As a tried and tested solution backed by industry-leading ability to incorporate unique customer features as described above, Electra is undoubtedly positioned as the revolutionary giant among zero-emission tail-pipe vehicle manufacturers.
