Bronto Skylift and Designwerk present the first fully electric truck mounted aerial platform
1 April, 2025Rohr AG, a leading Swiss provider of professional cleaning services, Designwerk Technologies AG, a Volvo Group subsidiary and Swiss pioneer in electromobility, and Bronto Skylift have together developed an aerial work platform based on a state-of-the-art, fully electric truck chassis. This innovative solution combines the proven reliability and performance of Bronto aerial work platforms with the advantages of an emission-free and quiet drive.
“We were able to contribute our many years of expertise in window and façade cleaning directly to the development. We will put the vehicle into operation after bauma 2025 and are proud that we will be the first company in the world to use a fully electric truck mounted aerial platform with these dimensions.”
Patrick Dörge, Chief Operating Officer, Rohr AG
From left to right: Andreas Bertschi (Designwerk) Patrick Dörge (Rohr AG) Dominik Keller (Bronto Skylift)
In Switzerland, more and more large cities are demanding low-CO2 behaviour from their service providers.
“In the future, our customers will demand electric vehicles across the board, a trend that we have been observing for several years. With this project, we are showing that we are taking a pioneering role in low-emission solutions.”
Patrick Dörge, Chief Operating Officer, Rohr AG
Sustainability meets performance
The new concept is based on the tried-and-tested S-XR range from Bronto Skylift. The S56XR is a well-known and well-liked tool for professionals working at height worldwide. The aerial platform’s software has been modified to fit an electric PTO, to save energy during operation for longer working periods and to always keep the operator notified on battery charge status.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our customers an environmentally friendly alternative without compromising on performance. This is an important step towards a more sustainable future for the industry. Rohr AG’s initiative was key in creating this product and we thank Designwerk for successful collaboration.”
Dominik Keller, Global Access Segment Director, Bronto Skylift
Technical data S56XR
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- Working height: 183 feet
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- Working outreach: 131 feet
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- Working cage load: 1320 lb
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- Working cage rotation: 2 x 90°
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- Extendable working cage: width up to 3.7 m (*option selected by Rohr AG)
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- Total vehicle weight: 33 t
Other options and features include a washing system with integrated waterline, power outlets in the cage, as well as 360-degree camera system for increased safety.
Designwerk e-truck: The expert in the electric mobility of special-purpose trucks
The MC 8x2R electric truck developed by Designwerk Technologies offers the following features:
- Four axles with three steered axles for optimum manoeuvrability
- 500 kWh battery capacity: Guarantees full power over an entire working day for travelling and working with the crane and aerial work platform without local CO2 or noise emissions
- Four powerful drive motors ensure strong, quiet propulsion and good climbing ability
- Electric auxiliary drive: Provides the necessary power for demanding lifting work
Presentation at Bauma 2025
The world premiere of this vehicle from Rohr AG will take place in April 2025 at the Bronto Skylift stand on the open-air grounds of Bauma in Munich. Rohr AG intends to use the aerial platform primarily for demanding façade and window cleaning work in urban areas, thereby significantly reducing its ecological footprint.
“This aerial platform fulfils our customers’ desire to reduce the use of fossil fuels. It also reduces noise pollution. With a conventional truck, the diesel engine is constantly running and makes a lot of noise. The electric truck is very quiet, which increases both the comfort of our employees and the comfort on our customers’ construction sites”
Patrick Dörge, Chief Operating Officer, Rohr AG
