A NEW hybrid vehicle concept, developed as a 15-tonne load-carrying forwarder, has been unveiled by Ponsse. 

The EV1 features a fully electric powertrain, which operates solely with battery energy, and a diesel engine to charge the generator. Said to provide a "peek into the future", it is the result of three years of development alongside Epec, a system supplier of 'advanced electrics'. 

Officials at both firms say the concept - which will be available commercially at a later date - paves the way for technological growth and sustainable harvesting solutions, and is part of Ponsse's "tangible step" towards the goal of carbon neutrality.

Juho Nummela, president and CEO of Ponsse, said: “Technological development is fast and offers us excellent opportunities to develop our solutions further, even in unexpected directions.

"We have worked hard with our technology company Epec to enable this concept. At the same time, both companies have developed their capabilities, and we have gained significant new knowledge during this project.

"This launch of a new technology concept is a peek into the future and one of the solutions offered by electric powertrains."

The concept machine features a fully electric powertrain, as well as Epec’s power distribution unit and hybrid control unit. The machine’s powertrain operates fully with battery energy.

But, its batteries are charged using what Ponsse calls a 'Range Extender', which is a combustion engine fuelled by diesel at this stage of development. This runs around 50 per cent of the time. 

Testing and development are advancing continuously. This technology provides significant improvements in fuel economy in this size category.

Forestry Journal:

The PONSSE EV1 concept took its first steps in 2019 when Ponsse and Epec started to investigate responsible power source solutions in line with sustainable development. 

Juha added: "Sustainable development is a significant future success factor for Ponsse. We want to strongly develop our solutions with Epec. Our strategy reform has been successful at Epec, and we’re very happy with Epec’s excellent development." 

The concept features Epec Flow, Epec’s electromobility system solution. The solution is based on the Epec Flow Power Distribution Unit (PDU), to which electric motors, batteries and various devices can be connected. 

Jyri Kylä-Kaila, managing director of Epec, added: “The Epec Flow solution is at the heart of everything. It has been developed for the electrification of various commercial vehicles and non-road mobile machines." 

Forestry Journal will have more on the EV1 in September's edition of the magazine and across all of our channels.