Designed to handle indoor demolition work in confined spaces, Husqvarna’s new DXR 95 electric demolition robot is small enough to fit in a standard work van, and tough enough to manage steep 30° inclines.
Best known around these parts for their electric lawnmowing robots and motorcycle/scooter concepts, Husqvarna has a long tradition in the construction space, and the DXR 95 represents the fifth such demolition robot introduced by the company in recent years.
That said, the new DXR 95 features a 13 hp electric powertrain capable of delivering up to 3,626 psi to the end-of-arm tool, making demolition tasks like rock breaking or chimney removal a snap. What’s more, the versatile little robot can deliver consistent performance throughout the duty cycle, thanks to Husky’s new generation thermal management technology.
“We are committed to giving our customers a competitive edge, and the DXR95 raises the bar for user-friendliness and performance in demolition robots,” said Daniel Lundberg, global product manager at Husqvarna Construction. “Now, construction professionals everywhere can get the job done more efficiently – wherever the job may be.”
Husqvarna DXR 95 fits in a standard van
That “wherever the job may be” doesn’t just refer to the job’s geographic location — though the DXR 95’s small footprint and relatively light weight (just under 1,000 lbs.) do help with that. It means that the newest Husqvarna can get just about anywhere inside a structure that it needs to, thanks to remote control operation that keeps operators at a safe distance and dual tank treads that enable it manage steep inclines, angles, sometimes even stairs. All without exposing operators to harmful chemicals in older buildings or falling debris in less stable environments.
“The DXR 95 answers the demand for a demolition robot that can fit into cramped or fragile environments,” continues Lundberg. “(It) truly delivers the power and performance that professionals need.”
Features include dual joysticks and knobs, written messages for machine feedback, and the ability for operators to choose their preferred language in seconds. Additional features include a heavy-duty arm system with friction-welded cylinders, automatic greasing of the breaker for long service intervals and protection of parts in the tough lower chassis, and easily-accessed modular components designed to facilitate on-site service and maintenance.
Electrek’s Take
It’s a weird twist, but the fact remains that the people who stand to benefit most from electrification seem to be the very people most likely to rail against it. The more we can put EVs into environments where they can unquestionably make work easier, safer, and just plain better, the more we’ll accelerate the mainstream adoption of EVs on the road.
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Daimler’s new, all-electric truck brand made its Canadian debut this week with the official market launch of its battery electric class 4 and 5 medium duty work trucks.
After making its North American debut at the 2023 ACT Expo in Anaheim, California, Daimler Truck’s RIZON brand has continued on a steady march towards production with initial preorders set to open this June. But it won’t just be Americans who can order a new RIZON electric box truck – Canadians will be able to add them to their fleets at the same time.
“Canada is very advanced regarding green energy and infrastructure and is a natural next step for RIZON’s second market,” explains Andreas Deuschle, the Global Head of RIZON. “We are very happy to bring our zero-emission solution to Canadian customers. They are proven OEM trucks with the latest technology from Daimler Truck.”
Modernism and mandates
Along with California and a handful of other US states, the Canadian government has plans to limit (or outright ban) the use of diesel trucks on its roads. In the case of Canada, the nation has committed to a zero emissions goal by 2050 – but Daimler could have gotten there without launching a new brand.
So, why is Daimler launching a new brand?
RIZON is about reaching new customers with a chassis that’s been designed from the ground-up to be an EV. These customers might be new to Daimler, or looking to replace an aging fleet of Isuzu or (more likely) Mitsubishi Fuso cabovers with something a little more modern.
What they’ll find in a RIZON, then, is a smooth, quiet, and car-like ride that will make the “step up” from something like a Ford E-Transit easier than they might think.
RIZON will offer four model variants for Canadian customers, the e16L, e16M, e18L, and the e18M, with a range of configurations and options ranging from 7.25 to 8.55 ton GVWRs.
Electrek’s Take
There’s definitely a place in the North American market for an agile, easy-to-drive medium duty truck like the RIZON, and Daimler’s nationwide network of Freightliner and Western Star dealers should give first time MD buyers a bit more peach of mind than they might get from a startup brand.
You can check out the specs on each of the RIZON electric models, below, then let us know what you think of these new cabover EVs in the comments.
Image courtsy Dailer Trucks.
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The all-new, all-electric Italdesign Quintessenza concept is a high-tech Italian take on the Porsche Dakar concept that’s just begging to be put into production.
Making its debut at the Beijing Auto Show, the Italdesign Quintessenza concept embodies both the dynamic prowess of a GT andthe versatile adaptability of a pick-up truck. At least, that’s what its makers say. And, if your idea of a pickup truck leans more towards “Subaru Brat” than “Ford F-150 Lightning,” that’s probably right!
The rear section of the Quintessenza converts from a “hatchback” to an open “pickup” bed in true Brat fashion. The rear seats are designed to flip 180-degrees backwards, providing a rear-facing, panoramic “stargazing” mode that promises, “(the) experience and feeling of connection with nature and the outside world.”
Those design elements aren’t just aesthetic – they’re loaded with electronics. “Two aerodynamic fins that integrate the ADAS systems are present on the upper back of the roof, at the level of the C-pillars,” reads the official release. “They map the surrounding environment when the satellite signal is poor, and offer multifunction lights indicating the car’s driving mode and braking when the hard top is removed.”
Quintessenza vertical elements
So, what kind of vehicle is the Italdesign Quintessenza? Is it a true overland GT, in the style of the Porsche Dakar or 911 SC/RS (the rally car that became the 959)? Is it a high-end spin on the classic Subaru Brat? A futuristic Ute for traversing the Australian outback? Or is it something else entirely?
That’s above our pay grades – but you, dear readers? You guys know what’s up, so check out the official Quintessenza launch video (below), then let us know what you think of Italdesign’s latest in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
All the cool suburbanites are already taking their kids to school, loading up at the farmers’ market, and making deliveries on clever and capable cargo e-bikes, but the new Momentum Cito E+ from Giant raises the cargo bike bar even higher — and makes leaving the car at home easier than ever.
Momentum is a new brand of “lifestyle” e-bikes from Giant Group designed to deliver premium features to customers while still hitting that $3,000-4,000 market “sweet spot.” Their latest bike, the all-new for 2024 Cito E+ utility bike, does just that, coming to market with a premium battery, Bluetooth technology, a suite of high-end safety features, and a $3,200 starting price.
Premium battery
Battery is fully integrated into the downtube.Easy battery charging.
Getting the most out of your e-bike often means getting the most out of your battery — and Momentum absolutely gets that. The Cito E+ ships with a 780 Watt-hour Panasonic battery pack with 22700 cells that have been optimized for e-bike use.
The battery is easily removable for charging at home or in an office, but it can be charged while it’s in the bike, too. Either way, charging won’t take long — from 0 to 80% of charge (approx. 60 miles) of range is available in 3.5 hours, while a full (75 mile) charge takes less than 5 hours.
Connected cargo bike
As our test rider highlights in the video (above), the Momentum Cito E+ uses a proprietary battery management system, or BMS, to monitor the battery pack for maximum efficiency and reliability down to the individual cell level.
The BMS uses Bluetooth connectivity to transfer battery health data, state of charge, and other important information straight to the RideControl app, which enables the bike’s owner to get an in-depth look at the overall state of their e-bike and provides valuable diagnostic data to both the technicians tasked with servicing the bike and Giant themselves, to help develop even better e-bikes in the future.
That connection to Giant Group is a huge potential benefit to Momentum Cito E+ buyers, by the way, as it gives them access to support from more than 1,200 brick and mortar Giant dealers across the US alone (above).
That’s a serious advantage that online-only bike brands simply can’t match.
Safety first … and maybe second, too
Powerful, premium disc brakes.High-visibility LEDs and electric horn.
Momentum’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop at the battery. The Cito E+ features confidence-inspiring 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes and a heavy duty suspension for predictable handling even under heavy loads — important if you have to suddenly haul the bike down from its electronically assisted 28 mph top speed with precious kids and cargo on the back.
LED head and taillights with a lever-activated taillight ensure Cito E+ riders will be seen, too, helping you stay safer after hours.
Accessories and add-ons
Momentum Cito E+ top tube accessory and Momentum front basket shown; image by Electrek.
Momentum’s Cito E+ offers a comprehensive selection of accessories to help optimize it for each rider’s unique use case — whether that’s hauling up to 132 lbs. of cargo on the rear rack and 33 lbs. on the optional front basket (shown, above), or adding 2 Thule Yepp Maxi seats and getting the little ones to school five times a week.
You can find out more about the Momentum Cito E+ and the brand’s available accessories by clicking here.
Momentum Cito E+ gallery
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