BMW i3 Batteries to Power First-Ever Electric Off-Road Vehicle by DANNAR

The Mobile Power Station® has the ability to travel through nearly 3 feet of flood water during an emergency response situation. Photo provided.The Mobile Power Station® has the ability to travel through nearly 3 feet of flood water during an emergency response situation. Photo provided.

By: Amanda Price—

Muncie, INDANNAR has signed a supply agreement with BMW i to provide BMW i3 batteries for the DANNAR Mobile Power Station®, the revolutionary, heavy-duty electric vehicle for infrastructure maintenance and disaster response.

DANNAR is leading the conversion of advanced automotive battery technologies into off-road applications with the Mobile Power Station® (MPS®). This platform is purpose-built to provide zero emission utility for cities, counties, and states responsible for rebuilding a nation’s infrastructure. It can be outfitted with multiple seasonal configurations, making it more cost-effective to operate, while providing more work value than traditional diesel equipment such as tractors, skid steers, and wheel loaders.

The MPS can carry multiple BMW i3 battery packs on-board its steel ladder frame and 40,000-pound rated axles. Custom configurations of multiple BMW batteries provide appropriate clean energy for single-day or multiple-day work requirements. Its two-way charger and inverter allows for emergency export power from the battery system for large buildings or neighborhoods. It is outfitted with a full Parker Hannifin hydraulic tool and attachment system and optional DANNAR work arms that can be equipped with any CAT® or Bobcat® attachments.

“We are very proud and excited to make this partnership announcement with BMW,” said Gary Dannar, founder and CEO of DANNAR. “This multi-year agreement is a culmination of our company working diligently to partner with the most respected suppliers. The BMW i3 pack is the gold standard of lithium-ion technologies, and we are excited to bring that technology to the MPS.”

The high-voltage batteries used in the BMW i3 feature eight modules, each containing 12 cells and developed in-house by the BMW Group. The packs are currently delivered to DANNAR’s Indiana assembly facility from BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

The Mobile Power Station® is a revolutionary, zero emission heavy-duty work vehicle that is built for maintenance and response. Photo provided.

The Mobile Power Station® is a revolutionary, zero emission heavy-duty work vehicle that is built for maintenance and response. Photo provided.

BMW i and DANNAR have been working together on development of the MPS with i3 batteries for more than a year. DANNAR also has partnerships in place with other tier one suppliers, including Parker Hannifin (mobile hydraulic system), UQM Technologies (HD950T traction motor), and Cummins (optional tier 4 generator).

“The MPS is designed with off-the-shelf, top-of-the-line components, making it the first zero emission off-road configuration designed to carry this much energy and utility,” Dannar said. “These partnerships are vital components to our success moving forward. It is an exciting time to be part of the electrification of vehicles and equipment.”

The MPS will make its public launch at the Public Works Expo in Orlando, Florida on August 27-30. The machine is available for order on the GSA schedule or at www.mobilepowerstation.com

ABOUT DANNAR

DD DANNAR, LLC, is an OEM manufacturer of a purpose-built, off-road electric vehicle and energy platform for governmental fleets. Located in Muncie, Indiana, and San Clemente, California, DANNAR is committed to providing disciplined innovation with honor-built manufacturing to produce a new class of electric work vehicles. More information on DANNAR and the Mobile Power Station® can be found on the company’s website at www.dannar.us.com