Urban Mobility Systems moves equipment sector toward zero emissions

There is no doubt that Urban Mobility Systems has become one of the key players in making the construction machinery world more sustainable. The workshop in Oss is now full of equipment; from excavators to rollers and from telescopic handlers to lifting or foundation cranes. New steps are being taken here towards further electrification.

As a clean-tech engineering company, UMS focused its attention until a few years ago primarily on mobility solutions for in inner cities. Battery-powered vehicles for passenger and freight transport. Meanwhile, the focus has largely shifted to emission-free construction equipment. In view of the established climate goals, the construction sector must also do its part and Lars Kool, the inspired founder and CEO of UMS, has taken up that challenge with both hands. His influence within the sector is evident. What began with electrifying a mini loader has now led to partnerships with numerous leading manufacturers, importers, contractors, industry associations and knowledge institutes.

That's the way Lars Kool likes to see it. "The transition to battery-electric machines requires knowledge above all. We need to share that," he sounds adamant. "Then I don't just mean all the ins and outs regarding a machine itself, but also everything around it. The service equipment has to be in order, and on-site power supply is at least as important. The industry seems entwined with the smell of diesel and oil, yet the equipment industry must embrace new technologies to achieve its sustainability ambitions. Above all, let's do it right and do it together, because there is no more time to lose. Moreover, I am convinced that quality and safety always win out over a lower cost price in the end."

SWITCH TO ELECTRIC

With the official commissioning of a 28-ton electric Hyundai crawler excavator by GMB - early December - a milestone has been added to the success story. For this, UMS worked closely with importer Van der Spek, which earlier announced the arrival of a hydrogen-powered version, but is now committed to battery-electric drive. Other brands are no longer watching from the sidelines. For example, in consultation with Wynmalen & Hausmann, two emission-free Liebherr R926 excavators are being built for Heijmans. The result should be on display as a factory solution at the Bauma stand in Munich next year.

In addition to the delivery of conversion kits to De Schans for the zero emission Knikmops, the Bobcat mini excavators for Inter-Techno are also proving very successful, including at BAM. It doesn't stop there, as the first electric Magni telehandler is on order from Collé Rental & Sales, and PVE Cranes & Services is making good cheer with cranes with interchangeable UMS battery packs. "With this we prove once again that electrification is the way to an emission-free 2030," Kool informs. "In the process, it doesn't even matter so much whether it's a mini-excavator or shovel or a foundation crane with a large energy requirement, which is being shaped with Finnish manufacturer Junttan."

BEYOND HYDROGEN

The LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery technology chosen by UMS plays a role here. Compared to the NMC lithium battery (nickel-manganese-cobalt), it is better suited to capacities in construction and suitable for enclosed spaces such as parking garages. Kool continues: "Hydrogen is being looked at a lot, but that development still has a long way to go. Battery technology is so much ahead in that regard. Swap packages are available and the charging infrastructure is becoming more and more finely meshed. An empty battery can be charged or swapped almost anywhere. If you run out of hydrogen, you really stand still. Not to mention the cost and safety aspect, which is so much more favorable for electric equipment."

The director emphasizes that Urban Mobility Systems is not a conversion company but an OEM supplier. "From my position at Emission-free Network Infra, I often sit at the table with conversion companies and I have no problem with that. However, I do continue to insist within the industry that quality and safety must come first. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in practice and I am portrayed as someone who wants to keep the market to himself. Nonsense! Give me a slice of the pie, because it will soon be big enough. I always say you have to learn to share in order to multiply. Knowledge transfer is guaranteed with us through training for the NEN safety standard, workplace inspections and supplying high-voltage work tools."  

ACCELERATE

Kool advocates an integrated approach, jointly seeking solutions to the ambitious goals. In this regard, the philosophy of interchangeable battery packs has been well received by virtually all major machine manufacturers. The aim now is to arrive at a global standard that guarantees uniformity, quality and safety. "In this way, we can bring about the acceleration needed to market electric machines more widely, including across borders. The Dutch manufacturing industry is very highly regarded internationally. More volume means more clout in the market, for example to jointly purchase raw materials. With that, we can reduce the prices of the battery pack."

Anyone who, as an end user, thinks they can turn to UMS to modify equipment to zero emission, is wrong. "We only make machines electric if the manufacturer gives permission and the importer with the dealer network provides service, maintenance and warranty. There are about a hundred vehicles driving around with our technology and we only employ one service technician, which is saying something. Of course, partners receive extensive warranty on our components, but for the user it remains just a Bobcat, Hyundai, Liebherr or any other brand. UMS is a white label manufacturer of electric drive trains and does not take sides in the market. Only together can we meet this challenge."

CLOSE TO ORIGINAL

Prior to the operation, all the data of the machine - that is, with diesel engine - are first extensively logged in order to approximate the original as closely as possible in terms of construction, performance and operation. "When I hear that developing an electric model including test phase takes three to five years, a lot of valuable time is lost in the search for the right components. With our turnkey conversion kit, that period is less than a year," Kool says. "I therefore advocate a clear separation between machine manufacturers on the one hand and specialists in emission-free drive technology on the other. Concentrate on your own core business and prefer to outsource this high-tech part."

According to Kool, there is no end to the developments in this field. In his view, the electrification of construction equipment does not stop at a 30-ton excavator, but offers opportunities up to 200 tons. "It is unfortunate that the market is still too wait-and-see at the moment. The frontrunners are really going to make a difference soon. But do invest wisely." For example, UMS exclusively uses components from the automotive industry, which in his view, in terms of technology, is at a lonely height in terms of quality and safety. This includes battery cells as well as cabling, hoses, electric motors and whatever else is involved. The rule of thumb is that every machine that leaves the workshop in Oss must be able to run for at least 8 hours on a single battery charge.   

UMS wins prestigious CES Innovation Award

Urban Mobility Systems has won the prestigious CES Innovation Award, an award presented each year to technology products at the initiative of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). A total of fourteen Dutch tech companies, in various categories, were awarded prizes. The jury - consisting of industry experts - judged on innovation, engineering, functionality and on the theme "tech solutions for a responsable future.

The company is honored to have been chosen as one of the scale-up winners with its entry "Zero Emission conversion kit for construction equipment. UMS will now represent the Netherlands along with 69 other start-up and scale-up tech companies at the CES 2022 Innovation Awards from January 5-8, 2022 in Las Vegas. Earlier, UMS was named one of the nineteen most innovative companies in North Brabant by Futurology Live.