Kalmar electric terminal tractor

An electric version of the Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractor is new from Kalmar, the port-focused branch of cargo and load handling solutions provider Cargotec.

The Kalmar Ottawa Electric Terminal Tractor is designed for trailer-handling operations in warehouses, container terminals and other applications where short-distance highway travel is required. It has the latest in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, a fully electric powertrain that produces zero emissions at source, and a comfortable driving environment, Kalmar explained.

Kalmar said it developed the electric terminal tractor to meet the growing demand for electrically powered solutions. According to Kalmar, the electric powertrain is cheaper to run than a comparable diesel machine and easier to operate and maintain, as electric terminal tractors have fewer moving parts. This means simpler, faster servicing and longer intervals between maintenance breaks, it said.

The electric terminal tractor has an on-board inverter charger that allows the machine to be charged during natural working breaks. A battery monitoring system displays the battery charge status and indicates to the driver when a recharge is required. 

The electric powertrain offers smoother acceleration and more power at the top end compared to a diesel-powered machine, Kalmar said, enabling drivers to feel more in control. It also generates less noise, vibrations and heat and there are no fumes, making the cabin a healthier and more comfortable working environment, Kalmar added. 

Gina Lopez, Kalmar vice president, terminal tractors, said “With the regulations relating to vehicle emissions becoming increasingly strict, more and more businesses are seeking alternatives to diesel-powered container and trailer-handling equipment. We have used our decades of knowledge and experience in delivering reliable, cost-efficient terminal tractors to create a solution that will benefit our customers’ bottom line and improve their productivity, while enhancing their sustainability credentials at the same time.”