Electric Flat Car Models: KPD, KPX, KPJ, KPT, KPC Power Options
Key Point Electric flat cars (also known as electric rail carts or electric transfer carts) are battery- or rail-powered vehicles designed for horizontal heavy-load transport within factory premises. They are classified into five models based on power supply method: ①KPD low-voltage rail flat car: draws power from a safe AC 36V rail system, cable-free and inherently safe; ②KPX battery-powered flat car: self-contained battery supply, no rail constraint, ideal for flexible movement between workstations; ③KPJ cable reel flat car: automatic cable pay-out and rewind, suited for long-distance travel (≤200m); ④KPT tow-cable flat car: cable dragged along the floor for power supply, the most economical option for short distances; ⑤KPC conductor rail flat car: powered via busbar, designed for high-frequency operations. Load capacity ranges from 1 to 300t. Kelude Heavy Industry offers 19 models covering all five power supply options.
Electric Flat Car Types and Selection Guide
Electric flat cars are among the most customizable material handling solutions, with each power supply method tailored to specific operating conditions. The KPD low-voltage rail flat car operates on a 36V rail system, offering a safe and reliable option for fixed indoor routes. The KPX battery-powered flat car requires no rail infrastructure, providing maximum flexibility for multi-station operations. The KPJ cable reel flat car supports extended travel distances, making it ideal for large-span factory buildings. The KPT tow-cable flat car features a simple, low-cost design for short-distance transport, while the KPC conductor rail flat car is built for high-frequency duty cycles. Kelude Heavy Industry recommends the optimal power configuration based on your specific application and site conditions.
| Model | Power Supply Mode | Load Capacity(t) | Table Dimensions(Length×Widthm) | Travel Speed(m/min) | Reference Price(10,000 CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPD-10 | low-voltage rail | 10 | 3.6×2 | 20 | 2~4 |
| KPD-50 | low-voltage rail | 50 | 5×2.5 | 15 | 5~8 |
| KPX-20 | Battery (Storage Battery) | 20 | 4×2.2 | 20 | 3~6 |
| KPX-100 | Battery (Storage Battery) | 100 | 6×3 | 15 | 8~15 |
| KPJ-30 | Cable Reel | 30 | 4×2.5 | 20 | 3~6 |
| KPJ-200 | Cable Reel | 200 | 8×3.5 | 12 | 15~30 |
| KPT-10 | Trailing Cable | 10 | 3.6×2 | 20 | 1~3 |
| KPC-30 | Conductor Rail / Busbar | 30 | 4×2.2 | 25 | 2~5 |
Note: The above is the reference price for Kelude Heavy Industry electric flat cars, including the car body, motor, and power supply system, excluding rail installation. Table dimensions and load capacity can be customized as needed.
How to Choose the Right Electric Flat Car
Five Power Supply Systems: How They Work & How to Choose
Electric flat cars are categorized by power supply into five types: KPD (low-voltage rail, 36V/50Hz, insulated rails for safety), KPX (battery-powered, maintenance-free lead-acid or lithium batteries, 8–24h runtime), KPJ (cable reel, 380V trailing cable, ideal for fixed routes up to 50m), KPT (conductor rail/busbar, suited for long distances), and KPC (smart charging via floor-mounted charging dock with automatic connection).
Selection Guide: The KPD model offers the lowest operating cost (no battery, no trailing cable) but requires rail insulation — best for fixed routes up to 100m. The KPX model provides maximum flexibility (no rail required) but needs regular charging. The KPJ model suits short-distance, point-to-point transport. The KPT model is recommended for heavy-load, long-distance applications (≥100m). The KPC model is an upgraded version of KPD with a higher degree of automation. Kelude Heavy Industry covers all five power supply options and offers custom features such as steering, lifting, and remote control.
Traction Force Calculation & Key Selection Parameters
The traction force of an electric flat car must overcome both starting and running resistance: Ftraction ≥ (mcar + mload) × g × (μstart + a/g)
Where: μstart is the starting friction coefficient (steel wheel on steel rail: 0.15–0.20; polyurethane wheel on floor: 0.04–0.06), and a is the starting acceleration (typically 0.1–0.3 m/s²).
Example: 30t KPD electric flat car (mcar=5t, mload=30t, μ=0.18, a=0.2 m/s²)
Ftraction = (5,000 + 30,000) × 9.81 × (0.18 + 0.2/9.81) = 35,000 × 9.81 × 0.20 = 68,670N ≈ 69kN. Motor power P = F × v / η = 68,670 × 0.5 / 0.85 = 40,394W ≈ 40kW. Kelude Heavy Industry standardly equips SEW-Eurodrive or Guomao gear motors with a power redundancy of ≥15%.
Rail Installation & Earthing Safety Standards
KPD Rail Requirements: Low-voltage rail-powered flat cars must use insulating pads to isolate the rails from the ground (insulation resistance ≥1MΩ). No metallic objects may bridge the two rails. Track gauge deviation: ±3mm; rail straightness: ≤3mm per 10m. Rail joints must be ground smooth after welding, with joint resistance ≤0.1Ω.
Earthing Protection: All power supply types require reliable earthing of the car body. KPX battery-powered flat cars must be equipped with a Residual Current Device (RCD) (tripping current ≤30mA). For KPJ/KPT models using cable or conductor rail supply, the cable must include an earthing core securely connected to both the car body and the rail. Kelude Heavy Industry electric flat cars come standard with an Emergency Stop Button, audible and visual alarm, and anti-collision buffer devices.
Technical Parameters: Five Power Supply Systems Compared
| Power Supply Mode | Voltage/Power Supply | Applicable Distance | Maximum Load Capacity(t) | Advantages | Disadvantages | Reference Price(10,000 CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPDlow-voltage rail | AC 36V/50Hz | ≤100m | ≤150 | Safety Voltage, Low Operating Cost | Crane Rail Requires Insulation, No Turning Capability | 3~12 |
| KPXBattery (Storage Battery) | DC 48V/72V | Unlimited(Endurance / Battery Life8~24h) | ≤200 | Wireless Flexibility, Turning Capability | Requires Charging, Battery Service Life3~5Years | 5~20 |
| KPJCable Reel | AC 380V/3Phase | ≤50m | ≤300 | Cable Reliable Power Supply | Cable Easy Wear, Length Limited | 2~8 |
| KPTConductor Rail / Busbar | AC 380V/3Phase | ≥100m | ≤500 | Suitable for Long-Distance Heavy-Duty | Complex Installation, High Cost | 5~25 |
| KPCSmart Charging | DC 48V/Smart Charging (Abbrev.) | Unlimited(Automatic Charging) | ≤200 | Highest Automation Level | Cost Higher Than KPD | 8~25 |
Electric Flat Car Turning Radius and Dimensions Guide
The turning radius of an electric flat car depends on its wheel base and steering configuration. Straight-travel flat cars have no turning requirement; bidirectional models typically achieve a minimum turning radius of 3–5 times the wheel base; omnidirectional or in-situ steering cars (equipped with Mecanum wheels or independent steering) can rotate in place. Common load-to-dimension comparisons: 10t class — 3.6 × 2.0 m × 0.5 m (L × W × H), wheel base 2.0 m, track gauge 1.4 m; 30t class — 4.5 × 2.2 m × 0.6 m, wheel base 2.8 m, track gauge 1.5 m; 50t class — 5.0 × 2.5 m × 0.7 m, wheel base 3.2 m, track gauge 1.8 m. Kelude Heavy Industry electric flat cars can be custom-built to match your workpiece dimensions, with a delivery time extended by 7–15 days for non-standard sizes.
Related Standards
Electric Flat Car FAQ: Operation, Safety, and Battery Life
Q: Do I need a license to operate an electric flat car?
A: Electric flat cars are not classified as special equipment, so no operator license is required. However, Kelude Heavy Industry recommends that users provide basic training to operators, covering the location of the Emergency Stop Button and standard operating procedures.
Q: Is the KPD low-voltage rail system safe?
A: Yes, it is extremely safe. The KPD rail operates at AC 36V (safe voltage, well below the 50V human safety threshold), so accidental contact with the rail poses no electric shock hazard. Kelude Heavy Industry KPD systems also include leakage protection for dual-layer safety.
Q: How long does the KPX battery last?
A: The KPX is available with maintenance-free lead-acid or lithium batteries. Lead-acid batteries provide a range of approximately 5–8 km at full load, require 6–8 hours for a full charge, and last 2–3 years. Lithium batteries offer a longer range (8–15 km), charge in 4–6 hours, and have a service life of 3–5 years. Lithium batteries are available as an option from Kelude Heavy Industry.
Q: Can these flat cars be used outdoors?
A: Yes. KPJ cable reel and KPX battery-powered flat cars are suitable for outdoor use. For KPD low-voltage rail cars used outdoors, proper rail insulation is required. Kelude Heavy Industry outdoor electric flat cars come standard with IP54 protection, and a Rain Cover is available as an option.
This completes our guide to KPD, KPX, KPJ, KPT, and KPC electric flat cars — covering all five power supply options, model parameters, pricing, and selection considerations. Kelude Heavy Industry offers 19 models across all five power configurations. For assistance with your specific application, contact the Kelude Heavy Industry technical team.
