Balqon Corporation made a splash at the Governors’ Global
Climate Summit in Los Angeles last week with its Mule M150 heavy-duty electric truck, an all-electric model with a maximum load of
seven tons. Balqon is taking aim for the heavy-duty truck market, which has not
been nearly as competitive in terms of green technology as the passenger
vehicle market. The Santa Ana-based EV developer plans to release the Mule M150
within the next few months.
The drive system of the Balqon Mule M150 features a 324V
lithium-ion battery pack and a 224kW electric motor. The six-speed automatic
transmission by Allison allows drivers to conserve energy by eliminating
needless changes in gears. The Balqon installed a 100kW fast charging unit with
four outlets to reduce charging times over past models. The Mule M150 recharges 80% of its
capacity in six hours of charging, making it possible to refill batteries
in the overnight hours. Balqon encourages drivers and fleet managers to keep
track of vehicle performance with wireless monitoring and a self-diagnostic
system. The Mule M150 also features an independent accessory control system to shut down non-essential features to reduce electrical consumption.
Balqon’s claims about the Mule M150 make this all-electric
truck sound like the vanguard in this relatively untapped market niche. The Mule M150’s range changes from 90
miles with a seven-ton load to 150 miles without a single pound of extra weight.
This model is capable of highway travel with a maximum speed of 55 miles per
hour. Balqon designed the Mule M150 for use in short-distance transportation
but the projected range is exceptional for a vehicle of its size.
The Mule M150 benefits greatly from Balqon’s commitment to
improved battery life over past models. The company started to sell and install
lithium-ion batteries for short-haul trucks in July, providing an alternative
to drivers in need of greater battery life. Balqon did not publish a per-unit
price for the Mule M150 but the sophisticated drive system and advanced battery
should boost the cost. In the end, however, the cost of the Mule M150 is merely
a short-term concern compared to its long-term environmental benefits. By
replacing gas-guzzling trucks used for short-haul trips, the Balqon Mule M150
reduces fuel costs and emissions without sacrificing performance in the shipping industry.
