KALMAR, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract to supply a fully electric Ottawa T2e electric terminal tractor to Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) for a six-month demonstration period, with delivery slated for the first quarter of 2019
KALMAR, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract to supply a fully electric Ottawa T2e electric terminal tractor to Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) for a six-month demonstration period, with delivery slated for the first quarter of 2019. The Long Beach terminal already relies on a wide variety of this supplier's equipment to handle container traffic, including rubber-tyre gantry (RTG) cranes and other conventional terminal tractors.
The order comes as Californian ports have set a target of having fully electric fleets by 2030 and these new electric terminal tractors will play a key role in Long Beach's freight electrification project - the nation's largest project for zero-emissions cranes and other seaport cargo handling equipment.
One part of the electrification project is an off-road demonstration project funded by a US$5.3 million grant awarded to the port. That project is part of California Climate Investments, a state programme that spends billions reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ottawa T2E electric terminal tractor is designed for trailer handling operations in dispersed warehouses, container terminals and other applications where short distance road travel is required. It features lithium-ion battery technology and a fully electric powertrain that produces zero emissions at source.
The onboard inverter charger allows the vehicle to be 'opportunity charged' during working breaks; a battery monitoring system displays charge status and indicates when a recharge is required. Compared to a diesel-powered tractor, the electric terminal tractor generates less noise, vibrations and heat and - most importantly - no fumes.
LBCT vice president Kevin Hayes said: 'The Kalmar Ottawa T2e will play a key role in helping us to achieve our business goals and maintain our position as a front-runner in terms of eco-efficiency.'
