eMotion – concentrated competence for innovative drive solutions
Two years ago, Linde also made its expertise in electric drive and control technology available to external customers through its Electronic Systems & Drives (ES&D) division. Within a very short period of time, Linde has been able to enter new fields of application, ranging from electric rail trolleys and airport ramp equipment to electric road vehicles. Linde Material Handling is now bundling these products and services under the eMotion label. The goal here is to market the company’s competences in a targeted way and develop new intelligent system solutions for electric drive applications. Maik Manthey, Head of the ES&D division says, "We are offering our customers the benefit of over 40 years of experience in electric drive and control technology. Our portfolio consists of drives and components that are suitable for mobile applications and have been put through their paces in millions of practical settings. Applying our know-how, we put together a complete package for users that can be deployed in the shortest possible time – be it electric, hydraulic or a combined system."

Top spot in registration statistics with Linde electric motors
The fact that the drive systems developed by Linde for forklift trucks are 100% compatible with other fields of application in electromobility is proven by the electric vehicle that came out top in Germany’s 2011 registration statistics: the Karabag New 500 E, based on a Fiat 500, is fitted with electric motors and performance electronics from a Linde forklift truck. Only the software was adjusted to meet the different requirements for use on the road.

Tried-and-tested serial equipment for electric vehicles
It has a range of 100 km and, thanks to a very favourable leasing rate, the Karabag New 500 E proves that electromobility does not have to be expensive: As part of the funded project, "Electromobility in Hamburg's commercial transport", the Karabag New 500 E is available for a leasing rate of EUR 299. The total monthly costs are EUR 51.60 lower than those of a Fiat 500 series vehicle with a petrol engine. The electric vehicle also pays off with regard to costs when you can rely on the tried-and-tested serial equipment.

Everyone knows the figures: The German government aims to have one million electric vehicles (including hybrids) on the road by 2020. In addition, a study conducted by Roland Berger shows that by 2025, the proportion of completely or partially electric vehicles will have risen and will account for up to 50% of new registrations. Thanks to the company's expertise and tried-and-tested products, Linde Material Handling can make a significant contribution when it comes to achieving the government's target. "Our examples are definitive proof that acceleration, power, versatility and precision do not rule out environmental friendliness", explains Maik Manthey.