The Electric Chinese Cement Truck

Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), Milpitas, Calif., a manufacturer of hybrid and electric drivetrain solutions, has announced a partnership with Shannxi Automotive, a Chinese truck manufacturer. EDI said the companies are introducing a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) cement mixer truck.

The collaboration integrates the Efficient Drivetrains EDI PowerDrive 8000 PHEV drivetrain and EDI PowerSuite vehicle control software into a Shaanxi Automotive, Class-8, 32-ton cement mixer truck. The initial vehicle is currently in final stages of integration and testing, and is scheduled for field deployment in during the fourth quarter of 2017.

The collaboration between Efficient Drivetrains and Shaanxi Automotive for the construction industry is the third initiative between the two companies, joining PHEV Class-6 and 7 city buses, Class-8 port vehicles, and now the Class-8 Cement mixer vehicle

To expedite market entry for vehicle OEMs, EDI said it is offering EDI PowerDrive PHEV and EV electrification kits and support programs for vehicle manufacturers, including control software and optional telematics for vehicle analytics and real-time fleet monitoring.