AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Key Points:
- Equipmake to supply its Zero Emission Drivetrain for Textron's Safeaero 220E de-icing vehicle.
- The electrified vehicle will help Textron meet its sustainability goals and expand its green product range.
- Ongoing production and supply are expected following successful 2024 trials of the ZED system.
Equipmake, a leading company in electrification technology across various vehicle industries, has announced a significant new manufacturing and supply agreement with Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. The agreement will see Equipmake supply its cutting-edge Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) for use in Textron's airside de-icing vehicle, the Safeaero 220, as part of Textron's move towards sustainable and zero-emission solutions.
Partnership Highlights
Under the terms of the agreement, Equipmake will provide a tailored version of its Zero Emission Drivetrain, designed to meet the specific operational demands of Textron’s Safeaero 220 de-icing vehicle. The drivetrain will include an integrated system comprising electric motors, control systems, inverters, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) components, and battery packs. This technology will allow Textron to add a new electrified version of its Safeaero 220 vehicle, called the Safeaero 220E, to its aviation ground support equipment lineup.
The key advantage of the new ZED system is its integrated thermal management feature, which will enable reliable de-icing operations in cold temperatures. It also maintains the highly efficient, single-person operation of the original Safeaero 220 while offering the benefits of quiet and emissions-free performance.
Impact on Textron's Sustainability Goals
The partnership with Equipmake represents a strategic move by Textron to meet its sustainability targets by transitioning its range of ground support vehicles to zero-emission alternatives. The addition of the Safeaero 220E to its product lineup aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote greener operations, particularly in industries like aviation, where ground support activities contribute to environmental impact.
Equipmake's ZED technology will play a crucial role in this shift, enabling Textron to offer a high-performance de-icing solution without compromising on the operational efficiency of its vehicles.
Future Steps
Equipmake's Zero Emission Drivetrain underwent successful trials by Textron in early 2024. Following these trials, both companies are now expected to finalize production volumes and establish an ongoing supply chain. Once in production, the ZED-equipped Safeaero 220E will be integrated into Textron's aviation ground support equipment range, contributing to the electrification of airside operations at airports worldwide.
The introduction of the Safeaero 220E is a critical step for Textron as it seeks to expand its portfolio of environmentally friendly vehicles. The collaboration with Equipmake not only furthers Textron's sustainability goals but also positions the company as a leader in electrified ground support solutions for the aviation industry.
Equipmake, with its reputation for engineering-driven electrification, is ideally suited to deliver the advanced technology required for this transition. As the demand for electric and zero-emission vehicles continues to grow, this partnership exemplifies how industry leaders are working together to meet the evolving needs of their markets while reducing their environmental impact.
