MAN Develops New TGE Mobile COVID-19 Testing Vehicle, Can Deliver PCR Test Results In Less Than An Hour

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MAN recently worked with several healthcare and ambulance experts to develop the Coronavirus Diagnostic Vehicle, which is based on its popular TGE platform. (Photo courtesy of MAN.)

MAN Truck & Bus recently worked with several health experts to design a MAN TGE van that acts as a mobile COVID-19 testing lab. MAN says each of its testing vehicles is capable of processing more than 500 tests per day and can conveniently travel to senior living facilities, schools, and other locations where tests are needed. The equipment in the mobile lab takes less than an hour to return test results—just 39 minutes in some cases. The speed of the process coupled with the unit’s inherent mobility means the van can meet testing demand at a moment’s notice and help contain spreading in a hotspot, for example, or to preemptively test attendees of an event. It also reduces strain on the larger healthcare system.

This vehicle was the brainchild of MAN Truck & Bus and Leeloo Medical, but ambulance service provider MKT-Krankentransport also contributed, as did AMS Ambulanzmobile and Medizinischen Katastrophen-Hilfswerk Deutschland e.V. (MHW).

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MAN says the newly developed mobile COVID-19 testing lab can process more than 500 tests per day. (Photo courtesy of MAN.)

Standout Features

MAN’s new Coronavirus Diagnostic Vehicle, which is available now for order in Europe, comes with a gross combination weight of 3.5 or 5.5 tonnes with a standard or long wheelbase. The short configuration can support up to 16 Vivalytic test devices, enabling rapid deployment of testing in various locations. The long configuration features 8 PCR test devices and a private interior room for taking swabs.

Both versions have 2.0-litre, 174-horsepower (130-kilowatt) turbo diesel engines and options for an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Other features include a closed awning, an automatic step, an LED emergency light, a radio, a 400-L waste box, automatic sliding doors, and air conditioning. Options include a computer workstation, refrigerator, and washbasins.

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The goal of the new MAN TGE variant is to provide onsite testing at virus hotspots as well as to provide preventative testing before large events, all while reducing strain on the healthcare system in general. (Photo courtesy of MAN.)

More MAN TGE Details

The MAN TGE is available as a chassis cab, crew cab, combi van, or panel van. Engines produce between 101 and 174 hp (75 to 130 kW) and from 300 to 410 newton-metres of torque. They come standard with 6-speed manual gearboxes, but 8-speed automatics are an option on select models. There is also an electric version available with a 182-hp (136-kW) motor that produces up to 290 N-m of torque. It has a one-speed gearbox and a maximum range of 173 kilometres.

The TGE extra-long panel van with super-high roof, as an example, has a 4,490-millimetre wheelbase, clearance circle of between 16.5 and 17 metres, load deck height of 570 mm at the rear, and load capacity of 18.4 cubic metres. Depending on the exact configuration, TGEs are available with front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel, or electric drive.

You will find hundreds of new and used MAN trucks for sale on Truck Locator, including a large selection of TGAs, TGLs, TGMs, TGSs, and TGXs.

Source: MAN