Molabo from Germany introduces its ISCAD (Intelligent Stator Cage Drive) motor technology to the off-highway, industrial, and commercial markets. The first off-highway application of this “powerful electric drive at a safe-to-touch voltage technology” is the ONOX, a fully electric tractor equipped with an award-winning battery-swapping system.
The ISCAD technology can deliver 25 – 200 kW peak power and up to 150 kW continuous power at just 48 V. The tractor integrates four 50 kW Aries 50 drives: two main drives and two power take-offs (PTOs). This configuration provides ample power for tackling tough terrain. The two PTOs deliver clean, quiet electric energy to power implements.
“There were several reasons why we chose to partner with Molabo. The motor delivers approximately 40 % more power than our previous generation at just 48 volts. The motor is also quite compact in design and has an integrated motor controller for simplicity,” said Daniel Hornung, project manager for ONOX.
Currently, more than 65,000 farms in Germany produce renewable energy. The ONOX tractor, when combined with on-farm biogas, wind, or solar photovoltaics, enhances independence and resilience to fluctuating diesel prices, reduces emissions, and may lower operational costs while increasing profit margins.
The ONOX tractor’s battery-swapping system eliminates downtime for charging and doesn’t require a powerful grid connection, an installation that can be expensive or unavailable in rural areas. Instead, the batteries charge from the renewables generated on the farm, and operators swap depleted batteries in just five minutes. Additionally, ONOX batteries can serve as auxiliary or emergency energy storage for the facility, helping to stabilize the local electric grid.
The ONOX tractor is suitable for light farming or homesteading applications and is currently in its final approval and testing phases.
“After successful entries in the recreational and commercial marine segments, we’re thrilled to offer our low-voltage electric drive systems to the off-highway, industrial, agricultural and commercial segments,” said Adrian Patzak, COO of Molabo GmbH. “In the past, low-voltage drives were only available up to 30 kW. Thanks to our patented ISCAD technology, OEMs can now develop powerful emission-free vehicles and equipment that are easy to certify, service, and maintain.”
Currently, most electrified off-highway vehicles are built on high-voltage automotive platforms. However, off-highway equipment is often used in remote or rural areas where access to high-voltage trained service personnel and specialized tools may be limited. With Aries drives, service and maintenance can be performed on-site.
“We wanted to make it as easy and safe as possible for existing trained staff to maintain the tractor,” said Hornung.
