Snorkel commences lithium-powered Speed Level model production
The Snorkel SL26RTE and SL30RTE are completely zero emission thanks to lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs with built-in battery management system (BMS), and an integrated electric powertrain.
This system was developed with Hyperdrive Innovation, a Sunderland-based developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
The electric Speed Level models are available to order with a choice of Li-ion battery pack configurations to suit a range of applications, including a high capacity option for long-distance driving and tunnel work.
“We are pleased to have signed an official supply agreement with Hyperdrive Innovation, with whom Snorkel has worked closely with to develop a stable electric powertrain that can deliver the reliability and performance that our customers require. Following very positive feedback to our preview at Bauma, the design has undergone thorough testing, both in concept and in field evaluations, and we are confident that these models will exceed our customers’ expectations,” says John Gill, Snorkel chief manufacturing officer.
The use of maintenance-free Li-ion battery packs reduces running costs by up to 95 percent when compared to an engine, and are shown to last up to 20 times longer than lead-acid batteries. The low voltage system is easily serviced, without the need for specialized high-voltage training and has been tested in climatic chambers between -25°C and +60°C.
The zero-emission Li-ion batteries also deliver significantly less job site noise. For example, the new SL26RTE is 60 percent quieter than the existing Snorkel SL26SL, at less than 68dB.
Fitted with a 2.5kWh 50A battery charger, the battery packs can be fully charged in less than 6 hours at a significantly lower cost than the diesel equivalent model.
“It’s been fantastic to partner with Snorkel on their first Li-ion battery-powered machines. To have the opportunity to collaborate with another progressive and forward-thinking business that is at the forefront of their industry is testament to our capabilities and a great example of the wave of clean growth being driven by changing legislation internationally,” says Stephen Irish, founder and commercial director at Hyperdrive Innovation. “We are delighted to secure the contract to supply the SL26RTE and SL30RTE with the very latest Hyperdrive battery technology and working to a demanding timeline, it has been a pleasure to support Snorkel to take these initial concept vehicles through the development cycle and into production.”
Model specifications
The Snorkel SL26RTE delivers a maximum platform height of 25 feet 6 inches, a lift capacity of 1,500 pounds and a spacious 5 feet 8-inch x 15 feet platform with the 3-foott roll-out deck extension deployed. The SL26RTE weighs 7,826 pounds and is available with non-marking tires. It is ideal for all types of indoor and outdoor applications.
The larger Snorkel SL30RTE can reach a maximum platform height of 29 feet 4 inches, lifting a maximum platform capacity of 1,300 pounds. Drivable at full height, the SL30RTE has a fixed platform of 5 feet 8 inches x 13 feet 11 inches and weighs 7,605 pounds.
Both models share the same 4-wheel drive performance, 50 percent gradeability and self-levelling capabilities without stabilizers up to 9 degrees front to rear, and 13 degrees side to side, as the original diesel-powered Snorkel SL26SL and SL30SL which are also still available to order. As of January 1, 2020, the SL26SL and SL30SL models will be rebranded as the SL26RT and SL30RT.
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