A strategic partnership: Microvast batteries on Gaussin’s new road truck 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.
Gaussin and Microvast have announced a strategic partnership aimed at optimizing and improving the French company’s new road truck skateboard. Gaussin is an engineering company that designs, assembles and sells innovative products and services in the transport and logistics field, while Microvast is a US a technology innovator that designs, develops and manufactures lithium-ion battery solutions.
The so-called ‘skateboard’ was launched back in April by Gaussin (watch the video below). It is a rolling, versatile and modular platform designed for the various market players, in particular for class 8 tractor or straight trucks from 18 tonnes to 44 tonnes, hydrogen or full-electric.
Why Microvast fits well for Gaussin’s products
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 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 high-powered 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.
Standard and certified battery pack
According to Gaussin, 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. 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.
Facilities in the US and in Europe
Microvast’s facility in Clarksville, Tennessee, is scheduled to be operational beginning of 2023. The US company will then be able to supply Gaussin and its future US licensees directly from its US facility, which will produce cells, modules and assembled packs locally, making its supply chain more reliable and shorter. 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.
