Consman |

Powertrain Systems in Hybrid and Electric Industrial Vehicles

Consman Service and Mobility — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:19:37 +0000

Powertrain Systems in Hybrid and Electric Industrial Vehicles

In the evolution of industrial mobility, hybrid and electric vehicles have marked a turning point in transport efficiency and sustainability. Trucks, buses and heavy-duty vehicles have integrated new traction systems that optimise performance and reduce emissions, adapting to the current needs of the sector. In this article we will explore the main powertrains systems in hybrid and electric industrial vehicles, their advantages and their impact on the mobility of the future.

Traction Types in Hybrid and Electric Industrial Vehicles

The traction system is the responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels of the vehicle. Depending on the design and the type of power used, commercial vehicles can have different traction systems.

RWD – Rear Wheel Drive

In this system, the engine transmits power to the rear wheels, offering greater stability and load and weight capacity. It is the most common type of drive in electric trucks and high-capacity buses.

The advantages of rear-wheel drive are better weight distribution (ideal for heavy vehicles), greater control during hard starts and acceleration, and less steering effort, making it easier to steer.

On the downside, energy consumption is higher compared to front-wheel drive and can present difficulties on slippery surfaces.

FWD – Front Wheel Drive

In front-wheel drive, engine power drives the front wheels. With front-wheel drive, you get more usable space in the rear, less weight and optimised energy consumption, and greater manoeuvrability in urban environments.

However, it does have a lower traction capability on slippery or steep terrain, and front wheel wear is accelerated. It is the least common type of traction among industrial vehicles as it is not suitable for carrying weight.

AWD/4WD – All Wheel Drive/Four Wheel Drive

This system distributes power to all wheels, improving grip and performance in adverse conditions. It is used on off-road hybrid trucks or buses operating in areas with extreme climates.

This all-wheel drive provides maximum stability and grip on all types of terrain, ideal for transporting cargo in difficult conditions. In addition, the intelligent power distribution adapts to the needs of the vehicle.

On the other hand, this system has a higher weight and energy consumption, as well as higher maintenance costs.

In-Wheel Motors

This innovative system equips electric motors directly to the wheels, eliminating the need for drive shafts and improving energy efficiency. It is being implemented in electric city buses and last-mile freight vehicles.

The advantages of this innovative system are that it requires fewer mechanical parts, which reduces maintenance. It also has greater efficiency and range, as well as optimal power distribution to each wheel.

But for now, this electric drive system uses technologies that are still under development at high costs and requires advanced thermal management systems to operate.

Keep your industrial vehicle in good condition with Consman

At Consman, we are experts in the maintenance and repair of hybrid and electric industrial vehicles. Our team of professionals is prepared to offer you solutions adapted to each traction system, guaranteeing the maximum performance and efficiency of your vehicles. Optimise the mobility of your fleet with the latest traction technology!

Consman opens new workshop for sustainable mobility vehicles in Tarragona

Consman Service and Mobility — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:18:59 +0000

Consman opens new workshop for sustainable mobility vehicles in Tarragona

At Consman we aim to offer the best repair and maintenance service for industrial vehicles to our customers. In this sense, Consman has opened the new workshop specialised in sustainable mobility vehicles in Tarragona. This workshop will have as its main function the maintenance and repair of the fleet of electric and hydrogen buses of the EMT, Municipal Public Transport Company of Tarragona. This strategic move reflects Consman’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in its workshops.

The workshop is located in the Entrevies industrial park in Tarragona, just 5 minutes from the AP-7 motorway. The facilities have a surface area of 1000 m2, where we find the workshop and an office. The workshop is fully equipped with the latest technology to repair electric and hydrogen vehicles and complies with all safety regulations. It has a bridge crane, lifeline, lifting columns, hydrogen detectors, among other machinery for proper maintenance.

The staff is highly qualified and specifically trained to deal with such industrial vehicles. There is also a service vehicle for the staff to go to any location in the event of an incident. The entire management of the Tarragona workshop is supported and supervised by the Castellbisbal headquarters.

The opening of this workshop for sustainable mobility vehicles in Tarragona is a very important achievement for Consman, as it signifies a growth in the company’s operations and a first firm step towards future expansion.

Consman and Ventura System reach partnership agreement to offer technical service in Spain

Consman Service and Mobility — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:48:12 +0000

Consman and Ventura System reach partnership agreement to offer technical service in Spain

Consman and Ventura System sign a collaboration agreement to offer technical service, after-sales and spare parts for Ventura System products at Consman’s facilities, thus becoming the point of reference throughout Spain.

The partnership between the two companies was formalised on 26th September with the presence of Auke Wielenga (Head of the Service Team), Andrea Kraemer (Global Account Manager) and Hans Elgersma (Global Parts Manager) from Ventura System and Toni Herencia, CEO of Consman.

Ventura System is a leading manufacturer of door systems for urban public transport vehicles. Founded in 1994, they are known for their innovation and wide range of doors for buses, trams and subways. This alliance with Consman reinforces their presence in the region and allows them to distribute their products and services to bus and urban vehicle manufacturers in Spain.

236 Solar panels -Consman’s environmental commitment for 2023

Consman Service and Mobility — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:33:58 +0000

236 Solar panels -Consman’s environmental commitment for 2023

In line with our action plan as part of our Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) commitment, by 2023 Consman has earmarked a portion of our annual budget for the installation of solar panels.

Thanks to this solar energy, which is clean, renewable and does not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation, in addition to significantly reducing energy costs, and thus the company’s overall operating costs, we also manage to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute, as an entity, to mitigating climate change.

With the installation and use of the 236 solar panels, located on the roof of the building and occupying more than 560 square metres, we achieve greater energy self-sufficiency of up to 118kWp and at the same time participate in the necessary transformation towards green and renewable energies that will help us to improve long-term sustainability.

This action aligns the company with global emission reduction targets and promotes a more sustainable business model. In addition, the use of solar energy can help reduce reliance on the conventional electricity grid, which in turn improves Consman’s energy resilience and service by reducing vulnerability to power outages.