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Date published: 21/10/2022

Category: News

Tags: N75 EV battery-electric; N75 EV; JAC battery-electric; JAC Motors South Africa; JAC Motors; N55 EV; EV; N55 EV; JAC Motors'; N75's

JAC Motors adds new N75 EV 4-tonne truck

- Emission-free N75 EV battery-electric truck creates massive savings

- New N75 EV forms part of company's drive to offer unique mobility solutions

- Vision of a zero-emission future for JAC battery-electric trucks

JAC Motors South Africa announced the introduction of its new N75 EV as part of its local N-Series truck line-up due to substantial interest from local transport operators. Battery-electric trucks are emission-free and offer major cost savings and multiple benefits to fleet operators, including reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

JAC Motors, a strong contender in the global truck market, started in 1964 as a truck manufacturer. The company extended its business into passenger vehicles and bakkies in 2007 and has been manufacturing battery-electric trucks since 2014. Its current electric truck platforms range from 2.5 to 12 tonnes, offering flexible weight and wheelbase options to suit particular tasks on the same vehicle frames.

Over the past decade, JAC Motors has refined the design and engineering of its popular N-Series to ensure excellent performance, low running cost and driver safety. The addition of the battery-electric derivatives to its N-Series is evidence of the company's vision of a zero-emission future for JAC trucks, focusing on efficient, cost-effective battery-electric trucks.

After the 2019 global launch of the N55 EV equipped with the latest EV technology, JAC Motors South Africa introduced it locally in June 2021. Since then, it has been extensively tested in transport fleets to ensure sufficient data was collated to encourage transport operators to convert to battery-electric trucks to save costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

The market's interest in the N55 EV 3.5-tonne truck convinced the company to introduce the new N75 EV 4-tonne truck as a permanent fixture on its official price list. It will do duty next to the versatile N75 6-tonne truck powered by the reliable Euro 3, 3.8L Cummins ISF engine.

"The new N75 EV is an excellent example of our global drive to offer green mobility solutions to transport operators who want low running costs and reliability while minimising their impact on the environment," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.

Reliable powerplants and drivetrains for local conditions

Adding a battery-electric truck to the N75 line-up shows JAC Motors' confidence in alternative energy solutions. The N75 EV features a 65 kW (130 kW peak power) synchronous electric motor with 415/1 200 Nm of torque. It is powered by a 106.95 kWh LFP battery pack that allows for a reach of 200 km per charge.

The N75 EV features an economical driving mode and uses regenerative braking to maximise battery life and range. It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in eight seconds, achieves a top speed of 90 km/h and can scale up to 16.7 degrees with a load of four tonnes.

When a DC Fast Charger with a standard European CCS2-Combo connection is used, the battery recharges in approximately two hours, offering a range of 200 km. Compared to a conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) truck, the N75 EV saves 50 percent on fuel/energy costs.

JAC Motors' state-of-the-art fault diagnostic and vehicle monitoring and control systems ensure that the N75 EV's health always exceeds the expectation levels of transport operators. It was also subjected to extensive fire and waterproof testing to ensure the vehicle remained safe under extreme conditions.

"The N75 EV is an economical, reliable and safe solution for last-mile deliveries. Over and above the massive fuel/energy cost saving compared to conventional ICE trucks, the N75 EV's maintenance cost is also 70 percent lower," says Göbel.

The N75 6-tonne truck with its reliable Euro 3, 3.8-litre Cummins ISF four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine, is a popular choice with transport operators, mainly because of its durability, low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and versatility. The proven powerplant produces 115 kW at 2 600 r/min and 500 Nm of peak torque between 1 200 and 1 900 rpm.

It features a hydraulic-assisted Single Dry Plate clutch linked to a synchromesh six-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain setup allows for low engine RPMs at cruising speeds, reducing fuel consumption. Its average fuel consumption is 15.1 l/100 km (combined cycle). It features an exhaust brake system for maximum braking efficiency.

"Our 6-tonne truck appeals to a broad customer base across various industries. Transport operators are especially impressed with its fuel efficiency, performance, versatility and everyday functionality," says Göbel.

Robust chassis design for enhanced safety

The N75 range benefits from JAC Motors' new heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis stamping and welding treatment process, making it robust for many different body applications. The main advantage of a rugged and lightweight chassis frame is the optimum axle weight distribution that enhances safety.

The front- and rear semi-elliptical multi-leaf spring suspensions provide improved stability and less chassis roll in all load states and on any road surface. The maximum use of axle capacities for ideal payload weight distribution ensures that the driver, passengers and cargo will be safe on the road, no matter the conditions.

The N75 EV 4-tonne truck offers a payload of 4 050 kg. Its wheelbase is 3 845 mm, and overall dimensions are 7 025 mm x 2 160 mm x 2 323 mm, providing sufficient space for bodies of approximately 5 000 mm in length. It offers a turning radius of 6.9 metres and a ground clearance of 190 mm.

The N75 6-tonne truck's payload is 6 040 kg, and its wheelbase is 3 845 mm. Its overall dimensions are 7 033 mm x 2 200 mm x 2 410 mm, enabling bodies of up to 5 200 mm to be fitted. It offers an impressive turning radius of only 7.1 metres and a ground clearance of 210 mm.

Comfortable cab and safety features to deliver cargo on time

The N75's driver-friendly cab provides generous space for the driver, two passengers and their gear. The ergonomically designed cab offers maximum driver comfort and convenience for increased productivity. Wider door apertures, footsteps and safety climbing handles allow for easy entry and exit, which is less tiring for the driver and passengers.

Occupant safety and comfort are priorities for JAC Motors. Various safety features complement the robust cab design. The reinforced cab floor improves driver safety, and the framed double rearview exterior mirrors provide increased driver visibility. A reverse warning buzzer, power steering, air-conditioner and seat-belt reminder are standard equipment for additional driver safety and comfort. The N75 EV also features a reverse camera and rear parking sensors.

The N75 6-tonne truck features a radio with an MP3 player and Bluetooth to contribute to a productive work environment. The N75 EV is fitted with JAC Motors' latest vehicle connectivity system and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth and navigation. It also offers electric windows, a height- and telescopic adjustable multi-function steering wheel and a pedestrian warning system to keep the occupants, cargo and people using urban roads safe.

Both N75 derivatives feature air brakes and ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) for increased stopping power and driver control to prevent wheel lock-up under emergency braking conditions. In addition, the N75 EV boasts AEBS (Advanced Emergency Brake System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and HAS (Hill Start Assist).

"Our new N75 EV offers transport operators an alternative solution to ICE trucks being used for last-mile deliveries. It guarantees a substantial reduction in operating costs, making it the perfect choice for modern-day logistic companies competing in a highly competitive environment," adds Göbel.

Model line-up and pricing

JAC Motors has 65 dealerships across South Africa and neighbouring countries to ensure that customers' vehicles are maintained and serviced to company standards and to keep downtime to a minimum. Service dealers are fully equipped with highly trained technicians for complete servicing and repairs in a timely and satisfactory manner. The company offers 24-hour Roadside Assistance for peace-of-mind motoring.

The N75 line-up and pricing (VAT excl.):

N-Series EV 4-tonne C/C – from R999 131

N-Series 3.8L 6-tonne C/C – from R499 914

N-Series 3.8L 6-tonne D/S – from R517 305

The N75 ICE range offers a two-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. The N75 EV is covered by a three-year/100 000 km mechanical warranty and a five-year/100 000 km battery warranty.