Tresa Motors is a Bengaluru-based manufacturer of medium and heavy trucks that aims to revolutionize the electric truck industry with its innovative technology and design. The company has recently unveiled its first electric truck, the Model V0.1, which is built on its proprietary Axial Flux Motor Platform: FLUX350. The Model V0.1 is designed for the global market and showcases Tresa Motors’ vision for a future driven by sustainable transportation solutions.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, specifications and performance of the Model V0.1, and see how it compares to other electric trucks in the market.
What is an Axial Flux Motor?
An axial flux motor is a type of electric motor that has a disc-shaped rotor and stator, instead of a cylindrical one. The magnetic flux flows parallel to the axis of rotation, hence the name axial flux. This design allows for a more compact, lightweight and efficient motor, as well as higher power density and torque.
Tresa Motors claims that its FLUX350 axial flux motor delivers up to 350 kW of continuous power, making it the only Indian OEM with this kind of power output. The company also says that it has developed the motor entirely in India, and that it is one of the few axial flux motor manufacturers in the world.
What are the Specifications of the Model V0.1?
Model V0.1 is a 6×4 tractor-trailer truck that can carry up to 40 tonnes of payload. It has a range of 400 km on a single charge, and can be recharged in 90 minutes using a fast charger. The truck has a top speed of 120 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in 20 seconds.
Truck also features a smart dashboard with a 15-inch touchscreen display, a digital instrument cluster, and various connectivity options. The truck has advanced safety features such as ABS, EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance system.
The following table summarizes some of the key specifications of the Model V0.1:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 55 tonnes |
| Payload Capacity | 40 tonnes |
| Wheelbase | 3.8 m |
| Battery Capacity | 300 kWh |
| Motor Power | 350 kW |
| Motor Torque | 3000 Nm |
| Range | 400 km |
| Charging Time | 90 minutes |
| Top Speed | 120 km/h |
| Acceleration | (0-80 km/h) 20 seconds |
How does the Model V0.1 perform on the road?
The Model V0.1 is designed to offer a smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience for the driver and the passengers. The truck has a spacious cabin with ergonomic seats, ample storage space, and climate control. The truck also has a low center of gravity and a high ground clearance, which improves its stability and maneuverability.
The truck’s axial flux motor provides instant torque and power delivery, which enables it to handle steep gradients and heavy loads with ease. The truck’s regenerative braking system also helps to recover energy and extend its range. The truck’s battery pack is modular and swappable, which allows for quick replacement in case of any damage or malfunction.
The Model V0.1 is also equipped with smart features that enhance its efficiency and safety. The truck can communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. The truck can also monitor its own health and performance using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which can alert the driver or the fleet manager in case of any issues or anomalies.
How does the Model V0.1 Compare to other Electric Trucks in the Market?
Model V0.1 is one of the first electric trucks in India that is built for the global market. It competes with other electric trucks such as Tesla Semi, Volvo FE Electric, Daimler eActros, BYD T9, among others.
Model V0.1 has some advantages over its competitors in terms of its axial flux motor technology, which gives it higher power density and efficiency than conventional electric motors. The Model V0.1 also has a lower total cost of ownership than diesel trucks, as it saves on fuel costs, maintenance costs, and emission taxes.
However, the Model V0.1 also faces some challenges in terms of its infrastructure availability, customer acceptance, and regulatory compliance. The electric truck industry in India is still nascent and lacks adequate charging stations, service centers, and skilled technicians. The customers may also be hesitant to switch to electric trucks due to their higher upfront costs, range anxiety, and reliability concerns. The regulatory framework for electric trucks is also evolving and may pose some hurdles for the Model V0.1 in terms of its certification, registration, and taxation.
Verdict
Tresa Model V0.1 is a promising electric truck that showcases Tresa Motors innovation and vision for the future of sustainable transportation. The truck has impressive features, specifications, and performance that make it a viable alternative to diesel trucks. The truck also has a potential to create a positive impact on the environment, the economy, and the society by reducing emissions, fuel consumption, and noise pollution.
However, the Model V0.1 also needs to overcome some challenges in terms of its market readiness, customer adoption, and regulatory compliance. The truck needs to prove its reliability, durability, and safety on the road, as well as its compatibility with the existing infrastructure and regulations. The truck also needs to convince the customers of its value proposition and benefits over diesel trucks.
Model V0.1 is a game-changer for the electric truck industry, but it still has a long way to go before it can achieve mass adoption and market dominance.
