![Manitowoc brings massive, plug-in hybrid electric crane concept to bauma [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/manitowoc-hybrid-electric-crane.png?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Manitowoc brings massive, plug-in hybrid electric crane concept to bauma [video]
The mobile crane experts at Manitowoc has arrived at bauma Munich with not one but TWO plug-in hybrid all-terrain crane concepts that combine a fully electrified superstructure with Manitowoc’s most popular five-axle carrier designs for cleaner, better job site performance.
Based on the Manitowoc Grove GMK5150 line, the GMK5150L-1e and GMK5150XLe all-terrain concepts build on the success of the original GMK4100L-2 hybrid shown three years ago (these big con/ag shows happen every three years).
These new concept cranes, however, are much bigger – combining the GMK5150’s 150 ton combined with a new, fully electrified superstructure that the company says results in more energy efficient, quiet, and environmentally sustainable operations.
The setup allows the machine to operate as a fully electric taxi crane in urban areas, thanks to the crane’s 180 kWh battery back. With enough capacity to enable up to five hours of lifting, the Grove PHEV concept cranes could easily carry out a number of standard daily tasks. When it’s out of power, the crane can be connected to grid power for continuous, 24-hour operation.
Grove GMK5150L-1e Plug-in Hybrid
When grid power isn’t available, the “hybrid” part of the electric crane concept comes into play in the form of a 170 kW (approx. 225 hp) ICE generator integrated into the carrier that can keep the crane running, or power the electric drive motors to get it back to the next job site.
Even better: that ICE engine operates on more sustainable HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) diesel. “These new Plug-in Hybrid cranes deliver more sustainable lifting and boost owners’ environmental credentials,” says Florian Peters, senior product manager for all-terrain cranes at Manitowoc. “(Customers) can drive to the job site using HVO fuel to power the efficient Mercedes-Benz engine and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% while simultaneously charging the batteries. Then, they can set up and use clean electricity to handle the lifting tasks … a great advantage when operating in a city center.”
Structurally, the 60 meter main boom on the Grove GMK5150L-1e and 68.7 m (225 feet) main boom on the GMK5150XLe are identical to the company’s diesel models, as are the cranes’ load charts. That means the new PHEV cranes can handle everything the existing units can, with significant fuel savings and a lower carbon footprint.
Grove PHEV all-terrain concept cranes
Grove introduced its first hybrid concept all-terrain crane, a GMK4100L-2, on the Manitowoc stand at bauma 2022. The crane has a fully electrified superstructure, powered by a generator coupled to the diesel engine, and can also plug in to public power to charge its 100 kW-hour battery.
While there are a lot of people in and around the construction space who may scoff at environmental concerns, the quest for improved efficiency and cost reduction among commercial fleet managers knows no political ideology. Simply put: If it’s better or cheaper, they’ll buy it. If it’s better and cheaper, they’ll buy two — and battery power is proving to be consistently better, in a broader scope of use cases, than diesel.
Manitowoc seems to agree.
“Many cities and industrial sites are placing increasingly strict environmental requirements on machinery, so there is a need to provide customers with options to help them achieve their commercial and environmental goals,” adds Peters. “We expect a lot of interest in these hybrid cranes and are excited to unveil the GMK5150XLe at bauma 2025.”
SOURCE | IMAGES: Manitowoc.
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Chinese carmaker XPeng is getting perilously close to bringing its AeroHT consumer eVTOL concept to market, thanks to a $250 million Series B round that’s set to accelerate the company’s modular “flying car” production plans.
XPeng subsidiary AeroHT had its first successful proof of concept test flight ahead of the brand’s annual 1024 back in 2023, where the company unveiled a pair of flying car designs. The X3 is an actual flying “car” that can drive, park, and take off on its own, and a second, modular eVTOL that folds up into the back of an electric van called the Land Aircraft Carrier.
That vehicle pair, shown at CES in January, was set to begin production this year, with the eVTOL component set to begin production in 2026 – and that’s looking a lot more likely thanks to the new infusion of capital!
AeroHT at CES 2025
Xpeng Aeroht raised $150 million in Series B1 funding last August, before launching its Series B2 funding round. The most recent announcement that the company has secured an additional $100 million in its Series B2 funding round brings the total amount raised to more than $750 million, with a $1B pre-revenue valuation.
CNEVPost reports that company aims to establish itself as a commercial pioneer in urban air mobility ahead of a potential IPO – and may get there sooner than later, thanks to several hundred pre-orders at the $280,000 projected price.
Electrek’s Take
Scooter Doll said it best, writing, “this footage (of the AeroHT test flight) is as scary and concerning as it is exciting and awe-inspiring.” Which is to say that these things are real, they seem like they’re getting built, and they seem like they’ll sell well enough to convince at least one or two remaining boomers that the flying car they’ve been promised their whole lives is – finally! – coming to market.
Here’s hoping.
SOURCE: Xpeng, via CNEVPost; gallery photos by the author.
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Flooring manufacturer Beauflor USA just turned on the biggest rooftop solar system by capacity in metro Atlanta — and it’s now powering part of its Georgia factory.
The new 1,040 kW system in Cartersville officially beats metro Atlanta’s previous rooftop solar record of 1,034 kW. The new array produces enough energy to power more than 100 homes. The system is expected to cover about 10% of Beauflor’s electricity needs and cut its carbon emissions by about 920 metric tons annually.
“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager at Beauflor. He added that the system is designed with room to grow: “This is the first step toward more renewable energy.”
The company partnered with Cherry Street Energy to install the nearly 2,000-panel system, which was completed in less than four months. Cherry Street invested $1.8 million into the project and is covering all construction and maintenance costs through a 30-year energy procurement agreement. Beauflor will buy solar power directly from Cherry Street, allowing it to avoid upfront capital costs while still lowering its energy bills.
“As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs,” said Cherry Street CEO Michael Chanin. “On-site solar with no capital expense delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity.”
Chanin added that the system’s power output is especially impressive: “The previous record-holder for metro Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”
Read more: This is New Jersey’s largest high-rise residential rooftop solar array
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Jack Dorsey, co-founder and chief executive officer of Twitter Inc. and Square Inc., listens during the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami, Florida, on Friday, June 4, 2021.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Block shares jumped more than 10% in extended trading on Friday, as the fintech company gets set to join the S&P 500, replacing Hess.
It’s the second change to the benchmark this week, after S&P Global announced on Monday that ad-tech firm The Trade Desk would be added to the S&P 500. Trade Desk is taking the place of software maker Ansys, which was acquired by Synopsys in a deal that closed Thursday.
Hess’ departure comes just after Chevron completed its $54 billion purchase of the oil producer, prevailing against Exxon Mobil in a legal dispute over offshore oil assets in the South American nation of Guyana.
Block will officially join the S&P 500 before the opening of trading on July 23, according to a statement from S&P. Stocks often rally when they’re added to a major index, as fund managers need to rebalance their portfolios to reflect the changes.
Most alterations to the S&P 500 take place during the index’s quarterly rebalancing. However, in the case of the closing of an acquisition, a company can be removed from the index and replaced off schedule. Last week monitoring software company Datadog took Juniper Networks’ place in the S&P 500 as part of the index’s quarterly change.
Block’s addition brings further tech heft to an index that’s been steadily moving in that direction in recent years, reflecting the market cap gains of companies across the sector. Block, which gained popularity as Square due to the rapid growth of the company’s payment terminals, has expanded into crypto, lending and other financial services.
Founded by Jack Dorsey in 2009, Square changed its name to Block in 2021 to emphasize its focus on blockchain technologies.
Block shares are down 14% this year, underperforming the broader U.S. market. The Nasdaq is up more than 8%, while the S&P 500 has gained 7%. Still, with a market cap of about $45 billion, Block is valued well above the median company in the index.
In May, Block reported first-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations on Thursday and issued a disappointing outlook, leading to a plunge in the stock price. Block’s forecast for the second quarter and full year reflected challenging economic conditions that followed sweeping tariff announcements by President Donald Trump.
“We recognize we are operating in a more dynamic macro environment, so we have reflected a more cautious stance on the macro outlook into our guidance for the rest of the year,” the company wrote in its quarterly report.
The company is scheduled to report second-quarter results after the close of regular trading on Aug. 7.
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