The trend towards electrification in the non-road machinery market is gaining momentum, particularly in the compact machine sector. Avant Tecno Oy, a Finnish loader manufacturer, is at the forefront of this transition, responding with vigour to the evolving landscape in the electric loader industry.
The latest third-generation fully electric Avant loaders feature batteries manufactured at Avant Power’s state-of-the-art battery factory in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Substantial investments have been channelled into the development of this distinctive battery technology. “In five years, half of the loaders we sell may be electric,” asserts Jani Käkelä, CEO of Avant Tecno and Avant Power.
The compact machine market has witnessed rapid growth, particularly in developed nations. Challenges associated with labour availability and increasingly stringent safety regulations have fuelled demand, to which versatile compact loaders have aptly responded.
Compact loaders offer year-round efficiency and are complemented by a diverse range of attachments, enhancing their versatility. Zero emissions have emerged as a significant megatrend in compact machines, driven by national and international emission reduction targets and the growing preference for emission-free workspaces, especially indoors, for health reasons.
Avant Tecno, with four decades of experience in developing electric loaders, is spearheading a significant advancement in response to these market shifts. Avant Power, the latest addition to the Avant Group, is dedicated to designing and manufacturing batteries optimised for Avant compact loaders at the Ylöjärvi factory. The newly launched third-generation electric loaders boast lithium-ion batteries that stand out as the best in the compact loader market.
“Our own battery production gives us a unique head start in the electric loader market now and in the future. According to the fastest scenario, up to half of the loaders we sell could be electric in as little as five years. However, diesel loaders will still be needed for a long time, as some market areas will switch to electric loaders on a much slower schedule,” remarks Jani Käkelä.
Avant’s decision to venture into battery development stemmed from the absence of a suitable battery in the market tailored to Avant loaders. Leveraging internal expertise, Avant embarked on this ambitious project, with key individuals forming the core team of the new subsidiary, Avant Power.
“Now, a solid foundation for battery production has been built through hard work. We have invested heavily in product development, and we also have partners with world-class expertise. The exceptional solutions in our battery technology bring many benefits to our customers, and we will be able to respond to strong international growth in the future,” explains Mikko Piepponen, COO of Avant Power.
Avant Power’s facilities have served as a production development laboratory, refining battery testing and manufacturing technology. The battery technology and production line have been meticulously designed in-house, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency.
“We have used the most modern possibilities in automation and developed the production line solutions ourselves. We started production at a moderate pace, and towards the end of the year we will increase it to full speed. Next year we will manufacture 700 to 800 batteries.
“The self-designed and implemented production line enables, above all, agility, and scalability. At the same time, all expertise related to batteries and loaders is under the same roof,” remarks Santu Tyynelä, Chief Design Officer at Avant Power.
While the current production operates on one line, plans are underway for another production line to further augment manufacturing capacity.
Avant Power’s groundbreaking Avant OptiTemp® battery technology offers unparalleled enhancements in working time, capacity, safety, and durability of electric loaders. Immersion cooling technology ensures exceptional thermal management, addressing a longstanding challenge in battery technology.
“The loader battery is the largest single price component of the machine, and the price of battery cells is the most significant price component of batteries. With our own battery manufacturing and efficient procurement of battery cells directly from the cell manufacturer, we can significantly reduce the price of the loader. With our own company focusing on battery technology, we can also develop the battery for future needs in the best possible way,” asserts CEO Jani Käkelä.
The new Avant e series, featuring the Avant e513 and Avant e527, is now available for production, showcasing Avant’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the loader market.
For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk.