Williams Advanced Engineering is famous for its high-performance powertrains – it’s involved in building the Jaguar C-X75 hybrid supercar and an Aston Martin electric concept, as well as supplying batteries for the Formula E electric racing series.

The company’s expertise about combining energy efficiency and performance can be applied to more prosaic vehicles as well.

Williams has announced that it will work with the Finnish Firm Vilakone Oy to create a new zero-emission multi-function machine. Vilakone Oy is a major manufacturer of machinery such as leaf collectors, snow ploughs and street sweepers (and parent company Wihuri is a longtime sponsor of the Williams racing team).

The new machine will be based on the existing Wille 665 platform, which currently uses an 83 kW Caterpillar diesel engine.

“Williams specializes in working with clients to create new products that are more energy-efficient, but do not compromise on style or performance,” said Williams Technical Director Paul McNamara. “With a major city like Helsinki setting out a zero-emission strategy for the future, having a zero-emission product will be a big asset for Vilakone, and we will be using our expertise in vehicle electrification and batteries to help them create a tough multi-purpose machine that has sector-leading energy-efficiency ratings.”

“Williams Advanced Engineering gives us access to the world’s best know-how and engineering competence to be used in the product development of the next generation of Wille machinery,” said Wihuri VP Pertti Rekonen.

Source: Wihuri Group via Green Car Congress