With the new RX 70 Hybrid diesel lift truck the Hamburg based STILL GmbH continuous on the path to low energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The first hybrid truck is ready for series production and was developed on the basis of the successful RX 70 diesel truck.

The new RX 70 has two energy storage systems. Beside the tank for diesel fuel the truck is equipped with so called super-caps which are installed in the rear of the truck. These high performance double layer capacitors are charged with the energy released when slowing the truck down. When accelerating the power from the super-caps boosts the performance. This way the collected energy is used as propelling energy. The diesel engine generates the additional electric current with a three phase generator for the electric drive motor. As a connection between both systems serve the power electronics which also control the charging and discharging of the additional energy storage.

Super-caps to store electric energy

Generally different energy storage systems are available - required are good energy and performance density, cyclic lifetime and a high degree of efficiency. Super-caps are characterised by their ability to accept high currents quickly and releasing them just as fast for acceleration. By the support from the energy storage during acceleration the internal combustion engine relieved by about 30 percent and its speed is reduced by about six percent due to the contribution of the electric motor.

The ideal application for the RX 70 Hybrid is in industries requiring frequent acceleration and stop cycles, for example loading lorries in the beverage industry. The energy saving amounts up to 11% depending on the intensity of the different work cycles.

Environmental award even for the standard model

The RX 70 has already caused a stir on the market especially by it low fuel consumption. Against this background the "Fork Lift Truck Association" in Great Britain (FLTA) has awarded this standard truck with the FLTA environmental award 2008. Despite high turnover performance the fuel consumption is only 2.5 litres per hour (RX 70 - 2.5 ton, 60 work cycles per hour according to VDI 2198 new).

With the RX 70 Hybrid, Still takes a consistent step forward and will now test the acceptance in the market with field tests at customers.

The future oriented truck is an important part of the whole STILL concept to optimise intralogistics by outstandingly efficient warehouse trucks respecting environmental responsibility.