Case Study: Batteries for a new line of electric sweepers
Italian manufacturer of street and floor sweepers adds electric products with help from Trojan AES AGM batteries.
Snapshot
MP-HT has spent decades building its reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality diesel-fuel urban and industrial street sweepers. So, when it began to design and manufacture electric models to meet the market demand nearly a decade ago, it needed a reliable battery maker that would help maintain brand integrity. That’s why they turned to Trojan Battery.
With several sweepers and scrubbers now powered by Trojan AES AGM batteries, MP-HT has enhanced its product portfolio by offering highly reliable models that are producing a strong return on investment (ROI) and meeting sustainability initiatives.
Customer: MP-HT
Application: Industrial and urban cleaning machines
Trojan Solution: Trojan AES AGM batteries
Our dealers appreciate the long lifespan of Trojan batteries. There have been no problems with the batteries in all the years we have used them."
Enrica Ragazzo, Co-owner, MP-HTThe Trojan advantage
MP-HT, an Italian-based manufacturer of high-quality urban and industrial cleaners, sweepers, and scrubbers, set out to shift from exclusively offering diesel fuel models to electric machines eight years ago.
The product line expansion will help meet a growing demand for reliable machines that are more environmentally sustainable and economical. It also continues a tradition of innovation for MP-HT.
"Trojan Battery helped us make this necessary and important product line shift. We may not have been able to achieve our goals of performance, reliability, and cost efficiency without Trojan," said Diego Bertola, chief engineer, MP-HT.
Reliability was critical
While recognizing the need to convert to electric, MP-HT realized it had to do so while keeping customer trust – something it had spent decades building. MP-HT street, curb, and industrial sweepers and cleaning machines are well-known for their high reliability, as many MP-HT sweepers are still operating after 15+ years, requiring only regular maintenance. That’s not easy, considering where they are used.
"We sell the same models in northern England and in Saudi Arabia, and they perform without a problem," said Bertola.
Working with a 100-year-old battery brand helped give customers confidence in the switch to electric batteries. The performance of the Trojan AES AGM batteries during stringent testing done by MP-HT also alleviated concerns.
“We tested different batteries from multiple manufacturers in our facility. We put four Trojan AES AGM batteries in a street cleaner and put them through six hours of continuous work to replicate a typical shift. And we pushed it to see if they could handle the most challenging environments,” said Bertola.
The one-month in-house test included using the cleaners and sweepers on the local streets near MP-HT’s facility. During these tests, the machines had to overcome rain, hot sun, strong winds, and dust.
After passing that first test, the Trojan batteries were used by an MP-HT customer. It was a company involved in the construction industry, requiring high standards of performance, according to Bertola.
"They are a concrete company that only uses fuel machines, so they were skeptical. The model was used in a heavy dust environment and still achieved an eight-hour shift on a single battery charge. It performed consistently and reliably for about six months and required only minor maintenance."
The customer was so impressed that they bought the electric model immediately after the evaluation period. Customers aren’t the only segment that appreciates high reliability. The dealer network that sells and supports MP-HT products is also quite satisfied with the performance of the electric cleaners and sweepers.
"Our dealers appreciate the long lifespan of Trojan batteries. There have been no problems with the batteries in all the years we have used them," said Enrica Ragazzo, co-owner and communications & marketing manager at MP-HT.
Higher ROI for electric sweepers
In addition to reliability, price is a main factor in switching to electric sweepers. Bertola noted operating costs drop immediately when moving away from diesel fuel.
“We estimate that operating costs are reduced by about €4.5 per working hour. If that is maintained over eight years of operation, estimated savings are about €21,000,” he said.
That cost savings is realized because MP-HT can use Trojan AES AGM 24V batteries, which are more affordable batteries. Most other electric cleaning equipment requires 48V or higher. Being able to stay at a lower voltage while maintaining performance and reliability reduces maintenance and costs. It is also safer than higher voltage options.
Based on all the benefits, MP-HT incorporated Trojan AES AGM batteries into four models:
STOUT E+. The ride-on sweeper provides high performance and efficiency in heavy industrial applications. It has very low energy consumption thanks to MP-HT’s advanced technology complemented by the 24V AES AGM design.
MAX WIND IDROJET. A revolutionary, small, quiet street washer that is extremely maneuverable and agile, even in small spaces.
MAX WIND. Compact, harmonious, and ergonomic, the street washer is ideal for cleaning and washing pedestrian areas, car parks, and any small and medium-sized area.
WIND ANT E4H. A reliable and efficient ride-on sweeper capable of effectively and accurately collecting large amounts of debris and waste. It has an innovative collection system that ensures full loading of the waste container.
Collaboration is key
For MP-HT, the success is due to much more than the floor sweeper batteries themselves. The support they receive from Trojan and their dealer, Industrial Battery Service (IBS) Italia S.R.L., can’t be overstated.
“They deliver exceptional support and consultation in addition to innovative products. Our technicians and production department collaborate with IBS and Trojan regularly to find the best solution for our designs,” said Ragazzo.
Continued success
MP-HT continues to rely on Trojan and IBS as it designs new electric models, as well as enhancing its existing product line.
Two new models are planned to be introduced at Interclean 2026 in Amsterdam, and they are expected to maintain the reliability and high-quality for which MP-HT–and Trojan Battery–are known.