New Electric Truck BAX with Outstanding Features

A new electric truck brand from Germany celebrates its premiere: The first vehicle of the BAX brand was unveiled on October 14, 2021, during the annual meeting of the Federal Association of eMobility (BEM). The 7.5-ton truck with the electric axle drive from BPW was developed in collaboration with Paul Nutzfahrzeuge as well as with freight forwarders and body specialists.

(Wiehl) “A truck serves the transport process – and not the other way around”: According to this maxim, the first electric truck of the BAX brand was developed, which was unveiled today in Wiehl, North Rhine-Westphalia, for the first time in front of around 100 journalists and industry representatives: The vehicle premiere at the headquarters of BPW Bergische Achsen KG was a highlight of the annual meeting of the Federal Association of eMobility (BEM). The day before, BPW had presented the vehicle in an exclusive preview to top representatives of the transport industry. Many freight forwarders were even actively involved in the development of the 7.5-ton truck, which will be delivered starting in spring next year. This explains its constructive layout and technical performance data, which are consistently geared towards everyday transport: With a pure chassis weight of only 3.5 tons, the new BAX 7.5 carries a net payload of four tons. This makes it the ideal carrier for bodies of all kinds: With a factory-supplied solid box body with a Palfinger loading bridge, there are still an impressive three tons of payload left – some diesel trucks in the 8-ton class cannot reach this value. This version accommodates 15 Euro pallets.

Leading body specialists have also actively contributed to the development. The BAX 7.5 is therefore available with two different wheelbases – 3465 and 4475 mm – and can be customized without structural limitations with the same bodies as a diesel vehicle: Whether container shuttle, lift platform, tank truck, or garbage truck: The BAX can handle it.

The battery and charging technology also supports a variety of logistical deployment scenarios: With the “Long Range” battery pack, the BAX can travel 200 kilometers, while the “Medium Range” version with a range of 130 kilometers targets city logistics. The range figures are not theoretical laboratory values but were measured in real test operations under battery-draining winter temperatures. The batteries are supplied by BMW i.

Charged from 20 to 80 percent in less than 40 minutes

The BAX also makes no compromises when it comes to charging technology. Each BAX can be charged with either 22 kW AC or 100 kW DC, depending on the charging infrastructure and the number of shifts the vehicle operator plans. With 100 kW DC, the BAX charges in the typical charging window from 20% to 80% SoC (State of Charge) in less than 40 minutes, making it a leader in its class. In multi-shift operations, the BAX can be charged during the required breaks or during shift changes.

The high payload of the BAX is primarily due to the special drive technology: It is not located in front of or under the driver, as is common with battery-electric trucks, but in the rear axle: The drive axle from BPW delivers a torque of 3,290 Newton meters to the wheels with two electric motors – ensuring powerful driving performance. The maximum axle load is 5.6 tons. The drive concept, which has already proven itself since 2018 in the electric conversion of trucks, requires neither a differential axle nor a driveshaft – benefiting both the payload and maintenance: what is not there cannot break.

Drivers at eye level with cyclists

Less weight, more space, and more payload are also made possible by the chassis. Above all, it ensures greater safety in urban traffic – while simultaneously relieving the driver. In the BAX, the driver does not sit high above the traffic but almost at eye level with cyclists. Getting in and out (BPW measured 450 stops per day trip in tests with KEP drivers) is also significantly easier. Comprehensive assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, emergency braking assist, turning assist, and a rearview camera, also ensure safety. The driver also enjoys standard comfort features such as air conditioning, seat heating, hands-free system, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and much more.

All vehicle data accessible online from a distance

The BAX 7.5 is equipped as standard with a transport telematics system from the European market leader idem telematics and offers a special extra: The driver, as well as the fleet manager or dispatcher in the headquarters, can not only view all vehicle, battery, and tour data online in real-time but also the payload. This way, tours can also be spontaneously optimized. The telematics support the driver in driving safely and efficiently. The turning radius is 16.4 meters, which is standard for its class.

Behind the new truck brand BAX are two renowned specialists in the commercial vehicle industry: BPW Bergische Achsen KG in Wiehl, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH. BPW developed not only the drive technology but also the networking and system integration of the vehicle, while Paul takes care of the mechanical integration of all drive components, as well as the homologation for the entire European market.

Both companies have been cooperating for years in converting trucks from diesel to electric drive. The vehicle is developed according to ISO 26262 and will receive an EU type approval. From mid-2022, the new truck can also be purchased throughout Europe.

The 7.5-ton truck is already available for order

The BAX 7.5 is already available for order, with binding orders received even before the official vehicle premiere. The vehicle can be ordered either turn-key including body directly from BPW. Alternatively, vehicle operators or body specialists can also order just the chassis and carry out the bodywork themselves.

“We are pleased to demonstrate the performance of our axle drive for the first time in a new vehicle,” explains Josha Felix Kneiber, Head of Product Management & Strategic Sales Electromobility. The BAX is not a capricious show car but a real workhorse for everyday transport. The standard telematics also ensure more value creation per kilometer.”

BPW and Paul demonstrate the innovative strength of medium-sized businesses

Kurt Sigl, President of the Federal Association of eMobility (BEM): “The BAX impressively demonstrates the innovative strength of the medium-sized German commercial vehicle industry. Here, renowned family businesses have come together and, together with freight forwarders, drivers, and system partners from the supply industry, have created a truck that impresses with its performance and uncompromising practicality. BPW and Paul Nutzfahrzeuge stand out positively from some large corporations, from which much fuss has been seen, but few market-ready vehicles.”

Photo: © BAX