Officials at Wollard International stand behind the design and reliability of its M100 tow tractor.
The M100 is proven, explains Jerry Crump – director of sales and marketing at Wollard International, noting 2,000 units are currently in the field. However, he points out, new emission standards are limiting the growth of GSE that utilize internal combustion engines (ICE).
To combat this, officials at Wollard have modernized its proven vehicle to be an electric unit, the M100e, using the same chassis and footprint as its legacy ICE model.
“We spent time having discussions with our customers, and it became evident that there was limited offering in the market for an EV cargo tractor that could meet the payload requirements and duty cycles required for the busiest cargo operations,” said Jon Pfister, president and CEO at Wollard International. “The M100e is designed to run two full shifts with minimal need for opportunity charging, and can be outfitted to have an 8,000 to 12,000-pound drawbar rating. There are minimal EV products in in the industry to meet this spec today, and Wollard is proud to bring this solution to the GSE industry.”
Crump notes Wollard’s partnership with Enedym was key to launching the new electric version of the M100.
“Wollard partnered with Enedym to design the motor and controls offered in the M100e. They were selected due to the advancements they have done to their SRM (Switched Reluctance Motors) offerings,” Pfister adds. “The SRM electric drive technology offers simpler construction, lower costs, higher efficiencies, increased resilience and lower supply chain risk. These were all leading factors as why Wollard selected Enedym to be our partner on the development of the new M100e cargo tractor.”
Wollard also worked with CSI on the battery side to acquire an battery system that is proven and capable of handling the duties the M100e is tasked with carrying out.
The M100e uses a high-voltage battery, utilizing a J1772 plug and an on-board Level 2 charger. It is also compatible with a Level 3 charger for opportunity charging, which offers a full charge in 1 hour. This ensures the vehicle can remain operational for two shifts every day.
Wollard’s new electric model provides a drawbar pull rating of 8,000 to 12,000 pounds, and offers a heavy duty planetary reduction drive axle, driving dual rear wheels via an SRM motor. It also offers power assisted four-wheel brakes, front and rear spring suspension safety features like a back-up alarm and anti-drive-away system as well as a welded steel frame. Optional telematics can provide vehicle feedback and remote troubleshooting.
“The appeal is the vehicle produces zero emissions, can work two shifts on a single charge and handles a heavy payload,” Crump says, noting the M100e can be used as an alternative to a bobtail.
The M100e’s footprint is the same as the ICE version, measuring 124 inches long and 70 inches wide. With a ground clearance of 7 inches, the vehicle is 62.5 inches high without a cab and 85.5 inches with a cab.
Thanks to its 350V drive system, with 12V supporting systems, and up to an 86 kW lithium battery, the vehicle has fewer moving parts, therefore reducing maintenance requirements.
The vehicle is also user-friendly for operators, providing creature comforts like suspension seats, power assisted steering and an LED digital display with diagnostics. An optional cab with heat and fans is also available.
