SuperPanther's eTopas 600 is the high-tech EV semi you've never heard of

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IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany had many major and impressive reveals but one company may have gone somewhat unnoticed - even after announcing a strategic partnership with Austrian contract manufacturer Steyr Automotive

Clean Trucking took a tour of SuperPanther's booth with Chairman and CEO Chao Liu, who showcased his company's latest products such as electric truck components, an autonomous truck chassis, and its brand-new eTopas 600 electric semi.

SuperPanther is on a mission to lead the commercial vehicle industry into the electrification era with its in-house developed technologies along with the pure battery-electric eTopas 600. Inside is the company's in-house made e-axle, high voltage domain controller, and heat pump which will help the semi perform in cold temperatures.

Steyr Automotive, which has built a long list of passenger and commercial vehicles over its 100+ years of industry experience, will continue to provide its manufacturing expertise and superior build quality. 

The eTopas 600 has been designed and engineered for the European market (for now) and comes equipped with high-efficiency LFP batteries and a driving range of 310 miles (500 kilometers). Its 876V high-voltage platform and integrated thermal management system boasting intelligent energy management are two additional features that promise high performance, energy efficiency, long range, durability, and digital scalability.

But the big question is whether the eTopas 600 will have what it takes to compete against the also upcoming Tesla Semi, Windrose, Nikola Tre BEV 2.0, and legacy rivals like the Volvo VNR Electric

[Related: Check out the Windrose inside and out; the Tesla Semi's biggest competitor?]

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado, and spends his free time snowboarding, climbing, and hiking. He can be reached atΒ [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.
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