Snorkel begins production of Lithium-Powered Speed Level

Initially previewed at Bauma 2019, Snorkel has commenced the full production of two new lithium-powered Speed Level models at its UK assembly facility, in Washington, Tyne & Wear.

The two new models, which are branded as the Snorkel SL26RTE and SL30RTE, are completely zero emission thanks to lithium-ion battery packs with built-in battery management system (BMS), and an integrated electric powertrain developed with Hyperdrive Innovation, a Sunderland-based developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

The electric Speed Level models are available to order with a choice of lithium-ion battery pack configurations to suit a range of applications, including a high capacity option for long distance driving and tunnel work.

John Gill, chief manufacturing officer at Snorkel said, “We are pleased to have signed an official supply agreement with Hyperdrive Innovation, with whom Snorkel has worked closely with to develop a stable electric powertrain that can deliver the reliability and performance that our customers require. Following very positive feedback to our preview at Bauma, the design has undergone thorough testing, both in concept and in field evaluations, and we are confident that these models will exceed our customers’ expectations.”

The use of maintenance-free lithium-ion battery packs reduces running costs by up to 95% when compared to an engine and are shown to last up to twenty-times longer than lead acid batteries. The low voltage system is easily serviced, without the need for specialist high voltage training, and has been tested in climatic chambers between -25°C and +60°C.

The zero emission, lithium-ion batteries also deliver significantly less jobsite noise. For example, the new SL26RTE is 60% quieter than the existing Snorkel SL26SL, at less than 68dB.

Fitted with a 2.5kWh 50A battery charger, the battery packs can be fully charged in less than 6 hours, at a significantly lower cost than the diesel equivalent.

Stephen Irish, founder and commercial director at Hyperdrive Innovation commented, “It’s been fantastic to partner with Snorkel on their first lithium-ion battery powered machines. To have the opportunity to collaborate with another progressive and forward-thinking business that is at the forefront of their industry is testament to our capabilities and a great example of the wave of clean growth being driven by changing legislation internationally. We are delighted to secure the contract to supply the SL26RTE and SL30RTE with the very latest Hyperdrive battery technology and working to a demanding timeline, it has been a pleasure to support Snorkel to take these initial concept vehicles through the development cycle and into production.”

The Snorkel SL26RTE delivers a maximum platform height of 8.0m (25 ft. 6 in.), a lift capacity of 680kg (1,500 lbs.) and a spacious 1.72m (5 ft. 8 in.) x 4.6m (15 ft.) platform with the 0.91m (3 ft.) roll-out deck extension deployed, the SL26RTE weighs 3,500kg (7,826 lbs.) and, available with non-marking tires, is ideal for all types of indoor and outdoor applications.

The larger Snorkel SL30RTE can reach a maximum platform height of 9.0m (29 ft. 4 in.), lifting a maximum platform capacity of 590kg (1,300 lbs.). Drivable at full height, the SL30RTE has a fixed platform of 1.72m x 4.23m (5 ft. 8 in. x 13 ft. 11 in.) and weighs 3,450kg (7,605 lbs.).

Both models share the same 4-wheel drive performance, 50% gradeability and self-levelling capabilities without stabilizers up to 9° front to rear, and 13° side to side, as the original diesel-powered Snorkel SL26SL and SL30SL which are also still available to order.  As of 1 January 2020, the SL26SL and SL30SL models will be rebranded as the SL26RT and SL30RT.

The lithium Speed Level assembly line was officially opened this week by Snorkel CEO, Matthew Elvin, during a visit from Snorkel’s Scandinavian distributors to Vigo Centre.