AVANT TECNO

Taking another significant step as a pioneer in the loader world, Finnish compact loader manufacturer Avant Tecno’s fully electric updated e series loaders – the Avant e513 and Avant e527 – replacing the e5 and e6 models, are now in production, with domestic delivery time being about 10 weeks from the order, although in export countries, the delivery time will vary from country to country.

The new loaders are equipped with Avant OptiTemp® battery packs (13 kWh and 27 kWh) manufactured by Avant Tecno’s subsidiary Avant Power. The globally unique battery technology brings capacity to a whole new level, and the energy density of the batteries is among the best in the world.

The new Avant e513 and Avant e527 loaders are almost identical, the only difference lies in the capacity of the batteries. The Avant e513 (13 kWh) is a good choice for short-term continuous use on cattle farms, horse stables, greenhouses or DIY and leisure time, for example. The Avant e527 loader (27 kWh) with a larger battery, is ideal for demanding professional use. Construction and demolition contractors will benefit from this model. Both models are ideal for working in confined spaces and on sites that have strict limits on noise and emissions.

When fully charged in the morning, the Avant e527 loader can be used for a whole working day. The maximum operating time of the machine is about 6 hours for medium-duty work, whereas for Avant e513, it is about 3 hours. The battery of both loaders can be fully charged with a fast charger in under 1.5 hours, allowing for long working days.

“For years, the market has been longing for fully electric loaders that would be more like diesel loaders in terms of functionality. Until now, operating time and pricing have been key issues related to electric loaders, but with Avant’s new e series, we solve them both,” says Jani Käkelä, CEO of Avant Tecno.

“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,” adds Jani Käkelä.

These new third-generation electric loaders, and their lithium-ion batteries are the best on 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.”

Avant made the decision to start its own battery development because there was not yet a good enough battery in the world that would be a perfect fit for Avant loaders. Under Avant’s roof, there were people with the expertise required for the bold project, and eventually, these experts formed the core team of the new subsidiary.

“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,” says Mikko Piepponen, COO of Avant Power, who is also responsible for creating the new technology.

Avant Power’s current facilities have served as a production development laboratory, where battery testing and manufacturing technology have been fine-tuned. Both the new battery technology and the battery factory production line have been designed by Avant Power. The same goes for most of the production equipment, which is exceptional on a global scale. Since production and the product have been designed at the same time, the whole is as simple and uncompromising as possible.

"Avant OptiTemp battery technology makes the operation of an electric loader more efficient than ever before…"

“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,” says Santu Tyynelä, Chief Design Officer at Avant Power.

Thanks to immersion cooling technology, the batteries have excellent thermal management, which has long been one of the biggest challenges in battery technology, especially in mobile machines and equipment exposed to fluctuations in outdoor temperature. Avant OptiTemp battery technology makes the operation of an electric loader more efficient than ever before, both in severe frosts and hot working conditions. In addition, the batteries have multi-level protection, which makes them very safe.

Currently, the batteries are manufactured on one production line, but another production line has already been ordered and its installation is awaited.