Kahu EV
Electric vehicle platforms for heavy commercial applications. Purpose-built for specific duty cycles where off-the-shelf solutions fall short, governed by EVNet™, and backed by 14 years of commercial EV deployment.
Kahu EV represents the vehicle engineering capability within ECVS. Every vehicle is designed around a real operating requirement, integrated with ENERVA™ energy and subsystem products where needed, and delivered with full lifecycle support. The result is a truck that works as part of a system, with one entity accountable for the outcome.
Flagship Platform
EK18 Battery Electric Truck
The EK18 is a modular battery electric truck platform built for heavy commercial duty cycles. It combines proven heavy EV components with the EVNet™ peer-to-peer J1939 vehicle control system and cloud-based telematics, integrating vehicle functionality, maintenance, support, and charging into a single managed system.
Available as a 4x2, 6x2, or 6x4 with battery capacity from 181kWh to 543kWh and peak power from 260kW to 720kW. Wheelbase is highly configurable thanks to the modularity of the platform.
Subsystems already developed for the platform include concrete agitators, rubbish compactors, bitumen sprayers, and powered axle trailers, with straightforward integration of further applications as required.
Platform specifications
Battery
- CATL LFP cells, 6000 cycle life (70% SOH)
- Modular design: 181kWh, 362kWh, or 543kWh
- 268Ah, 750V architecture
- 180kW to 500kW DC fast charging capable
- 22kW on-board charger optional
Driveline
- Integrated CDTL drive axles
- 2-speed dual and 2-speed single motor options
- Peak power: 260kW (single) to 720kW (dual)
- Peak torque: up to 100,000 Nm tractive
- WABCO EBS3 electronic braking system
Cabin
- Four-point air suspension cab mounting
- Air-suspended driver seat, flat floor
- Low, medium, and high roof options
- Day cab, single berth, or sleeper cab
- 12.5" multimedia display, LED headlights
Configurations
4x2 Cab Chassis
| Wheelbase | GVM | Tare | Battery | Power (rated/peak) | Torque (rated/peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500mm | 19,500kg | 5,491kg | 181kWh | 145 / 260kW | 200 / 460Nm · 38,000Nm tractive |
| 4200mm | 21,000kg | 7,101kg | 362kWh | 160 / 360kW | 520 / 1,040Nm · 50,000Nm tractive |
| 6200mm | 21,000kg | 7,151kg | 362kWh | 160 / 360kW | 520 / 1,040Nm · 50,000Nm tractive |
6x2 and 6x4 Cab Chassis
| Config | Wheelbase | GVM | Tare | Battery | Power (rated/peak) | Torque (rated/peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6x2 | 4175mm | 32,500kg | 6,745kg | 181kWh | 145 / 260kW | 200 / 460Nm · 38,000Nm |
| 6x2 | 4850mm | 32,500kg | 8,205kg | 362kWh | 145 / 260kW | 200 / 460Nm · 38,000Nm |
| 6x4 | 4175mm | 34,000kg | 8,695kg | 362kWh | 305 / 620kW | 720 / 1,500Nm · 88,000Nm |
| 6x4 | 4850mm | 34,000kg | 10,295kg | 543kWh | 320 / 720kW | 1,040 / 2,080Nm · 100,000Nm |
Other configurations available. Contact us for details.
Software-defined vehicle
Standard
- Power steering and central locking
- Reverse camera
- Maintenance portal access
- Telematics and GPS data access
- Charger and vehicle API web portal
- V2G integration for energy management
Optional
- High-power accessory output (ePTO)
- Axle-driven hydraulic PTO
- High-power DCDC conversion to 48V
- 240V AC inverter
- Remote control and by-wire functionality
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure and front collision warning
Every EK18 is governed by EVNet™, the proprietary vehicle control system developed over 14 years of commercial EV deployment. EVNet™ manages all vehicle subsystems over a peer-to-peer J1939 network, with cloud-based telematics providing real-time diagnostics, charging management, and operational data. This software-defined approach ensures consistent performance, simplifies body builder integration, and provides operators with full visibility of their fleet from a single portal.
Built on proven delivery
The EK18 builds on a track record of vehicles designed, built, and deployed into real commercial operations.
EK16
Container shuttle truck
Four EK16 trucks delivered into port container shuttle operations. The platform that proved electric heavy trucks could meet demanding commercial duty cycles day after day.
VP616 / Voltra
Underground mine vehicle
Built for BHP Olympic Dam. A battery electric underground mine vehicle operating in one of the most demanding environments for any vehicle: heat, dust, confined spaces, and zero tolerance for emissions.
Electric Rubbish Compactor
Waste collection
The first electric rubbish compactor truck in Australasia. Full vehicle and compactor body running on electric drive, operating in residential collection routes.
Part of the ECVS system
A Kahu EV vehicle is delivered as part of a complete ECVS solution. The vehicle is governed by EVNet™, integrates with ENERVA™ energy and subsystem products where required, and is supported by ECVS through the full operational lifecycle. Vehicle, energy, controls, and support from one accountable entity.
ECVS manages the complexity so operators can focus on running their business.