Focus is increasingly on electric work

Multi-purpose battery packs enable longer working hours

About five years ago, Staad B.V. began the first development ideas for converting a diesel excavator to an electric excavator. This created the new branch within the Staad family: ECE (Electric Construction Equipment). Since then, the market has changed rapidly. ECE also developed a multi-purpose battery pack. 

In 2020, Staad proudly launched the world's first 30-ton electric crawler excavator. That DX300LC Electric has since been running on many an emission-free construction site. A year later, the first mobile excavator from our own production, the DX165W Electric, rolled out. Staad also started producing the accompanying battery, the Powerbox, in-house in 2021. And that the company is not standing still is evidenced by the continued development of
the Powerbox (140 kWh) to the Megabox (400 kWh). 

In March of this year, that so-called detachable energy storage system, or removable battery pack, was approved by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). The granted patent perfectly matches the battery; a unique technical design that allows it to be used on the machine, but the battery can also be removed from the machine and used as a 'standalone'. This means that the battery can be charged and discharged without the machine using the standard CCS2 connector. The battery can be
serve as both master and slave, and this makes it possible to charge the battery with the use of solar panels at a private location, for example.

Total energy picture

Staad sees this as an important step to support construction companies in the overall energy picture. The battery packs can therefore also power other vehicles and assets. An important next step is that Staad now employs four specialists, who help customers analyze the power supply even before purchasing the entire machinery.

"To determine what steps are needed, they perform an energy scan. That service ensures that our customers are unburdened when it comes to energy," said spokesperson Yanieke Jussen. "There is a growing need for expert advice to map all aspects of electric charging. Many companies don't really know how to manage the charging of their electric machines." Because what started with a few machines now includes electric company cars and buses, or even electric trucks. Hand tools and construction chains are also becoming increasingly electric. 

Expanding capacity

In the process, Staad introduced not only electrically powered excavators, but meanwhile also electric wheel loaders. Then it is essential to properly organize the power supply for this entire range of machines. When using multiple machines, power capacity often needs to be increased. Staad offers advice on the required capacity and the most suitable charging solutions. 

It's not just about the electric machine and its battery, but also about any solar panels, wind turbines, other electric vehicles or tools on the customer's premises. Staad is happy to help identify and advise on the best solution together with the customer to ensure that they can continue with their daily work without any worries. "We take the stress out of charging," the owners say on their website.