How Allypan pantech bodies can boost your bottom line

In the realm of commercial transportation, the quest for efficiency is paramount. It’s a pursuit at the very heart of Brisbane-based Kirin Industries, whose lightweight yet robust six-pallet Allypan pantech body is set to revolutionise the light-duty distribution market by offering increased payloads for delivery trucks.

And while higher payloads come as welcome news for operators of popular light-duty truck models like the Isuzu N Series, Hino 300 Series, and Fuso Canter, along with cab/chassis variants of the IVECO Daily (pictured), Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, among others, they especially come into focus when it comes to the emerging new field of battery-electric and hybrid trucks – trucks that will be instrumental in Australia’s transition to sustainable transport.

There is a tare weight penalty imposed by the heavy batteries used to power battery-electric trucks and (to a lesser extent) hybrids, and that penalty can have a major impact on efficiency. So let’s unpack that, before looking at how Kirin Industries’ patented Allypan pantech body delivers benefits on multiple levels…

Firstly, it’s essential to grasp the concept of tare weight in the context of commercial vehicles. Tare weight refers to the weight of a vehicle when unladen, comprising the weight of the vehicle itself along with any permanently attached fixtures or equipment. For any truck, the tare weight plays a crucial role in determining the available payload capacity, which directly impacts the efficiency and profitability of transport operations.

When comparing a battery-electric truck to its diesel equivalent, the former’s tare weight penalty becomes especially evident. Electric propulsion systems, comprising batteries and electric motors, tend to be heavier than their ICE (internal combustion engine) counterparts. This additional weight translates to a higher tare weight for battery-electric trucks, thereby significantly reducing the amount they can carry compared to a conventional equivalent.

The tare weight penalty could be as much as half a tonne, depending on the specification and battery weight.

The introduction of the innovative Allypan pantech body, however, presents a promising avenue for mitigating the tare weight penalty associated with battery-electric and hybrid vehicles, and increasing payload for conventional trucks.

The Allypan pantech body boasts a lightweight yet durable construction, significantly reducing overall vehicle weight without compromising structural integrity or cargo security.

By opting for a lightweight Allypan pantech body, battery-electric and hybrid truck owners can effectively offset the tare weight penalty imposed by electric propulsion systems, while the higher payload enhances efficiency and economic viability.

Moreover, the lighter weight contributes to improved energy efficiency, potentially extending range for battery-electric trucks and hybrids, further enhancing their appeal.

Kirin Industries engineer Frank Wu is passionate about his craft and the products he designs.

“As an engineer, I’m always looking forward to exploring new concepts and investigating where the market is heading and what is driving it,” he says.

“Some years ago, I noticed that many smaller trucks that were capable of being driven on a car licence were fitted with heavy bodies better suited to larger vehicles. For instance, a traditional steel six-pallet pantech, which you’d expect to see on a small Fuso Canter or Isuzu NNR with a rear tailgate loader, virtually only had a payload capacity of 700kg.

“Demand for small trucks that can be driven on a car licence is increasing. These trucks are extremely popular with hire car companies because of their car-like functionality. When fitted with a small tailgate loader, they are a very useful vehicle.

“The Allypan project started in early 2022. We spent about 13 months on R&D before we were satisfied with the design of our extrusions. Once we signed off our extrusion design, the dies were hardened, and production of our first bodies commenced. All our extrusions are manufactured locally in Brisbane.

“The backbone of our patented bodies is our aluminium extrusions, which are married to a honeycomb composite body structure. This feature makes our bodies aesthetically pleasing, allowing genuinely flat surfaces for inspiring artwork and signage. A typical six-pallet Allypan weighs only 440kg, which is substantially lighter than traditional six-pallet bodies, offering a conservative 500kg payload increase.”

But is the Allypan body tough enough to handle Australia’s challenging conditions? The answer is a resounding yes, underlined by a successful 12,000km road test from Brisbane to Blackall, then inland to Australia’s red centre, south to Melbourne and then back to Brisbane.

Not only did the body take the beating dished out by some very average road conditions, but it also proved impervious to both water and dust.

There are many ways an Allypan pantech body can enhance a transport operator’s bottom line – let’s take a look at the major advantages it offers…

Allypan pantech bodies are designed with lightweight yet durable materials, allowing transport operators to carry heavier loads while still complying with legal weight limits. This means operators can transport more goods in a single trip, reducing the number of trips required to fulfill orders. With fewer trips, operators save on fuel or battery power, maintenance costs, and driver wages, increasing overall efficiency and profitability.

Allypan pantech bodies are constructed using high-quality materials known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. By investing in these bodies, transport operators can reduce maintenance expenses associated with frequent repairs and replacements. The longevity of Allypan pantech bodies means less downtime for repairs, ensuring trucks spend more time on the road generating revenue.

The design features of Allypan pantech bodies include innovations such as easy-access rear doors, slide-out ramps, and internal cargo securing systems. These features streamline loading and unloading, reducing the time spent at each stop. Quicker turnaround times enable transport operators to increase the number of daily deliveries, maximising revenue potential without additional resources.

Allypan pantech bodies offer functional benefits and contribute to a positive brand image for transport operators. Their sleek design and advanced features convey professionalism and reliability, instilling confidence in customers. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat clients and recommend the transport operator to others, leading to increased business opportunities and revenue growth in the long run.

By leveraging the advantages offered by Allypan pantech bodies, transport operators can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately boost their bottom line.

The Allypan pantech body offers a compelling remedy to the tare weight challenge, enabling battery-electric and hybrid truck owners to optimise their operational capabilities while advancing sustainability objectives.

As the transportation industry continues to evolve, the integration of solutions like the Allypan pantech body will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of commercial mobility, helping us move towards a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable paradigm.

To learn more about the Allypan pantech body and see what it could do for your business, head to the Allypan page on the Kirin Industries website.