Vanguard Partnership Takes MOTIC Cargobeast into Production
Briggs & Stratton and technology partner Hainzl Motion & Drives collaborated with MOTIC GmbH through the Vanguard Technology Partner Network to bring the Cargobeast last-mile vehicle from prototype to production. Combining Briggs & Stratton’s commercial-grade Vanguard lithium-ion battery packs with specialist engineering support, the partnership enabled MOTIC to optimise the vehicle for commercial production.
With 2.5m³ of cargo volume, a 500kg load capacity and a compact one-metre width, MOTIC’s Cargobeast delivers significant carrying capacity while maintaining access to urban areas that can be challenging for traditional vans, including narrow streets, bike lanes and delivery zones. Consuming up to 75% less energy than a comparable light commercial vehicle, it helps operators improve efficiency while adapting to tightening emissions regulations and the expansion of low-emission zones across Europe.
The Challenge
Bringing the Cargobeast from prototype development into full production presented several engineering challenges. The first was integrating a commercial-grade battery system that could deliver reliable performance throughout long working days and frequent stop-start urban routes. The system also needed to fit within the vehicle’s compact design without compromising cargo space, stability or handling.
Secondly, as a growing OEM preparing for commercial production, MOTIC required specialist engineering support to ensure the electric drivetrain and vehicle design were fully optimised for commercial use.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, Hainzl Motion & Drives, a member of Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard Technology Partner Network, worked with MOTIC to integrate Vanguard’s 48V fixed lithium-ion battery packs into the Cargobeast. The vehicle can be equipped with either a 3.5kWh battery pack, providing up to 50km of range, or a 7kWh pack offering up to 100km for operators with greater daily range requirements. As a Briggs & Stratton brand, Vanguard provides commercial-grade battery solutions for OEM applications, while Hainzl brings specialist system integration capabilities to support the development of electrified vehicles.
For MOTIC, the battery system needed to deliver more than power alone. The Cargobeast was designed for professional fleet operations, requiring reliable performance, durability, safety and long service life within a compact vehicle architecture. With these requirements in mind, HAINZL identified Vanguard’s battery platform as the right power solution for the challenge. Engineered for demanding commercial equipment, Vanguard battery packs feature robust aluminum die-cast housings, an integrated Battery Management System (BMS), CANbus communication and maintenance-free operation. Together, these features provide dependable power while simplifying integration across a wide range of OEM applications.
Positioned beneath the driver’s seat, the Vanguard fixed battery pack makes efficient use of available space while lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity, improving stability and handling without compromising cargo capacity. This integration forms part of the Cargobeast’s wider engineering approach, combining purpose-built components, modular body solutions and an efficient electric drivetrain to maximise performance within a compact format. The patented suspension further enhances stability under heavy loads, while enabling the transport of a standard 80 cm-wide Euro pallet and an exceptionally large cargo volume within the vehicle’s compact dimensions.
Engineering through partnership
The collaboration between MOTIC, Hainzl Motion & Drives and Briggs & Stratton extended well beyond battery selection. Throughout development, the three companies worked closely to integrate the battery system, electric drivetrain and onboard electronics into a fully optimised vehicle platform, ready to perform reliably in real-world working environments.
The success of the collaboration has also laid the foundations for future development, with MOTIC viewing Vanguard’s commercial battery technology and Hainzl Motion & Drives’ system integration expertise as key enablers for the next generation of its electric transport solutions.
Jamie Bailey, New Business Manager for Electrification EMEA at Briggs & Stratton, explains: “Commercial electrification isn’t just about battery performance, it’s about delivering a complete solution. Combining Vanguard battery technology with the expertise of our Technology Partner Network gives OEMs the confidence to develop reliable, production-ready vehicles that are built for demanding commercial applications.”
The Results
The collaboration has delivered significant improvements across the Cargobeast platform. Compared with earlier prototypes, load capacity has doubled from approximately 250kg to up to 500kg, effectively doubling the vehicle’s carrying capability. Depending on the Vanguard battery selected and driving conditions, operating range on a single charge has improved by around 30%, reaching up to 50 km. The optimised battery integration and drivetrain architecture also support greater stability, operational reliability and long-term serviceability, helping fleet operators minimise potential downtime.
Fabio Wiesinger, CEO of MOTIC GmbH, says: “We focused on creating a future-oriented vehicle concept tailored to modern urban logistics from day one. Hainzl Motion & Drives brought the precise application expertise we needed, and Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard platform delivered the power we can trust to turn our plans into reality.”
Harald Schreibmüller, Head of Sales at Hainzl Motion & Drives, adds: “MOTIC is a prime example of why Hainzl Motion & Drives joined the Vanguard Technology Partner Network. They are a compact company with immense potential in the electrification sector. By combining our engineering expertise with the Vanguard battery system, we have significantly advanced their product, and we are thoroughly impressed by the outstanding results achieved through this joint development.”
For MOTIC, the collaboration with Hainzl Motion & Drives and Briggs & Stratton demonstrates how combining commercial-grade battery technology with specialist application engineering can accelerate innovation. The Cargobeast demonstrates the value of the Vanguard Technology Partner Network, showing how proven battery technology, engineering support and OEM collaboration can help manufacturers bring the next generation of commercial electric vehicles to market.
