Van Doorn got its hands on a prototype of Atlas Copco's new battery-powered portable air compressor at the beginning of this year, ahead of the unit's official unveiling. After using the B-Air 185-12 to support highway crash barrier installation and repair works, what is the company's verdict? Do batteries have a lasting part to play in the industrial sector's future?

According to Addy van Doorn, founder of Van Doorn, the answer is a resounding yes. "I have to be honest, we were a bit sceptical initially, based on the fact that it is solely battery-driven. ‘How long can it really last?', we thought?" van Doorn said. "But I'm happy to say that we've been thoroughly impressed by its performance. It operates efficiently all day, meaning we're not only maintaining our productivity, but also gaining some extra advantages by opting for a low-carbon alternative." 

Full autonomy 

Van Doorn's expertise includes constructing and maintaining infrastructure, as well as traffic works and landscaping. Many of these projects take place on remote sites where regular access to grid electricity is not available. The B-Air's onboard power pack means the site team has benefitted from the autonomy that the unit offers, while still enabling it to work a full work shift. With power delivered from its onboard battery storage, in operation a fully charged B-Air is independent of the need for fuel or a local power source to plug into, eliminating localised emissions and bringing full portability to Van Doorn's projects.

"There are no local emissions, and it's also surprisingly quiet with only 61 dB at 7 metres," van Doorn continued. "I can say for certain that I would recommend the B-Air, and will consider purchasing more B-Air units after trialling the prototype."

Van Doorn remained true to his word: the company purchased the first-ever B-Air on the day of its market launch in Antwerp, Belgium. And now the company has invested in yet another B-Air unit, taking another step closer towards adopting a more environmentally responsible way of working. 

Making history

The B-Air came to life thanks to a collaboration between Atlas Copco and its longstanding Netherlands-based partner and dealer, Perslucht Wilda. "Our customers had come directly to us requesting a battery-driven compressor," Remko van Piggelen, owner of Perslucht Wilda, explained. "The largest part of our customer base works in infrastructure and aren't located on construction sites, meaning a standard electric unit with a power cord just isn't suitable for them."

I can say for certain that I would recommend the B-Air

Responding to its customers' demands for a low-carbon and fully mobile electric compressor, Perslucht Wilda contacted Atlas Copco to join forces in developing a solution. The final prototype was then offered to a handful of Perslucht Wilda's customers - including Van Doorn - to trial. The rest, as they say, is history.

"There is already a major push for battery-powered solutions - on a governmental and societal level, but also from companies," Maarten Vermeiren, product marketing manager of Sustainability and Digitalisation in Atlas Copco's Portable Air Division, said. "For Atlas Copco and Van Doorn, developing the B-Air was an obvious step in a more sustainable direction. Atlas Copco ultimately wants to support all our customers - and their customers - in adopting energy efficient practices, so that together we can help to reduce our environmental footprint."

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