Ponsse launches electric forest machine

 Thursday, August 18, 2022

Ponsse has recently launched an electric forest machine. The new technology has advanced forestry activities. Ponsse and Epec have introduced the PONSSE EV1, an electric forest machine technology concept. This machine is yet to be commercially available, however Epec’s technology can already be used in electric or hybrid-electric commercial vehicles and non-road mobile machines. Ponsse’s technological concept is a peek into the future, paving the way for technological development and sustainable harvesting solutions. 

“Technological development is fast and offers us excellent opportunities to develop our solutions further, even in unexpected directions. We have worked hard with our technology company Epec to enable this concept. At the same time, both companies have developed their capabilities, and we have gained significant new knowledge during this project. This launch of a new technology concept is a peek into the future and one of the solutions offered by electric powertrains. Sustainable development is a significant future success factor for Ponsse. We want to strongly develop our solutions with Epec. Our strategy reform has been successful at Epec, and we’re very happy with Epec’s excellent development,” says Juho Nummela, President and CEO, Ponsse Plc.

PONSSE EV1 technological concept

The PONSSE EV1 concept has been developed for forwarders with a 15-tonne load-carrying capacity, the most popular Ponsse forwarder size category. The concept machine features a fully electric powertrain, as well as Epec’s power distribution unit and hybrid control unit. The machine’s powertrain operates fully with battery energy. Batteries are charged using a Range Extender, which is a combustion engine at this stage of development. Testing and development are advancing continuously. This technology provides significant improvements in fuel economy in this size category.

 “The Epec Flow solution is at the heart of everything. It has been developed for the electrification of various commercial vehicles and non-road mobile machines. The software can be developed using simulation models, and the solution can be agilely developed for the needs of different machinery. The different systems, including the transmission and control system, work seamlessly together, enabling the manufacture of safe and efficient zero-emission machines in the future,” says Jyri Kylä-Kaila, Managing Director of Epec.

Tags: digital forestry, electric vehicle technology in forestry, Forestry Technology, Ponsse EV, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking industry