GAUSSIN, a leader in clean and intelligent freight transport, and MICROVAST, a leading global provider of next-generation battery technologies for commercial and specialty vehicles, announce a partnership to integrate Microvast’s new generation of batteries to Gaussin’s electric skateboard and hydrogen applications.
The road truck skateboard technology, a revolution in the field of clean and intelligent transportation
In April 2021, Gaussin launched the world’s first “skateboard” for class 8 tractor or straight trucks from 18t to 44t, hydrogen or all-electric, a rolling, versatile and modular platform designed for the various market players.
The solution is aimed at both traditional truck manufacturers and new entrants, as well as bodybuilders and autonomous navigation software players. More broadly, the skateboard targets all players wishing to have access to a hydrogen and electric platform for clean and intelligent transport.
Gaussin’s skateboard aims to become the reference platform in the road truck segment by developing a large community of reference, regional and commercial technology partners and by facilitating its integration through documentation, training and standardization of the various mechanical and software interfaces.
A safe premium Microvast battery technology, perfectly adapted to the full electric and hydrogen version of the Gaussin skateboard
With its vertical integration capabilities, Microvast can provide a wide choice of different cell chemistries in its standard battery packs, which can fulfill the diverse technical requirements in terms of power, energy density and cycle life. The high-level modularity of the battery gives Gaussin great flexibility in the vehicle design. The excellent fast-charging feature and the high energy density of Microvast battery solutions would meet the surging demand from large logistics players to shorten the charging duration and prolong the charging interval.
For instance, the hydrogen version of the road skateboard is a hybrid system that uses highpowered batteries in combination with the fuel cell to provide power under certain conditions— but also to extend the skateboard’s range of up to 400 km using battery power.
Specifically designed to address the critical constraints currently facing electric vehicle development, Microvast’s electric vehicle battery system solution paves the way for mass adoption of electric vehicles.
Key factors in the choice of Microvast included its standard and certified battery pack offerings that meet the technical requirements and present further upgrade possibilities to achieve better performance and TCO. Microvast battery packs can be flexibly connected in series and/or in parallel to achieve different voltage and energy levels.
The high level of standardization and modularity of Gaussin’s skateboard and Microvast battery packs can be adapted to various project requirements. In addition, Microvast battery packs are expected to be ECE R100.2 certified by June 2021, so that the skateboard can comply with ECE regulations.
A strategic partnership in line with GAUSSIN’s strategy of building local eco-systems With its Clarksville, Tennessee facility scheduled to be operational beginning of 2023, Microvast will be able to supply Gaussin and its future U.S. licensees directly from its U.S. facility, which will produce cells, modules and assembled packs locally, making its supply chain more reliable and shorter, and continuing to build local ecosystems in every region of the world to support the group’s growth.
A similar scheme is planned for Europe where Microvast will be able to supply Gaussin’s European requirements for the entire current and future product range from its Ludwigsfelde plant in Germany.
