Cat strikes UK alliance with AVID Technology to develop batteries for heavy equipment

Updated Aug 16, 2018

CAT 315F L Hydraulic Excavator

A British technology company that specializes in the electrification and hybridization of construction equipment says it has partnered with Caterpillar UK to develop a battery system for heavy machinery.

Cat UK and AVID Technology have formed a strategic alliance with the overall aim of creating “an advanced battery system capable of meeting the life cycle and load demands of a heavy duty electric or hybrid vehicle,” according to a report from New Power Progress.

Apart from its environmentally friendly method of power delivery, the groups want to create a battery system that still delivers “the high levels of energy density” required by construction and other trades work. In fact, part of the aim of the program is simply demonstrating that this type of high-level energy density is something that electrified drivetrains can dependably provide in heavy equipment.

The consortium, which will also include researchers at Imperial College London, will be a £2.8 million ($3.58 million) project, partially funded by Innovate UK’s Faraday Challenge Industrial Strategy fund. The fund is maintained by the British government and focuses on strengthening UK science and business innovation.