The Smart e-Truck Charging pilot project developed by Cavotec in partnership with the Port of Long Beach (POLB) and International Transportation Service (ITS), has won the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2020 Facilities Engineering Award.
“The technology to handle the substantial power levels needed to charge heavy duty industrial vehicles fast, safe and hands free,” said John Connor, sales director, Cavotec Ports & Maritime Americas.
Efficiency
The POLB Smart e-Truck Charging pilot project enables the rapid and efficient high-power charging of battery powered heavy-duty terminal tractors thereby offering substantial operational, safety, and environmental benefits.
“[It’s] a fundamental step to convert the more than 30,000 diesel powered yard trucks operating in ports around the world to more sustainable and cost efficient electrical operations,” Mr Connor added.
Cavotec’s system includes a fixed 150 kW charging unit located in the container yard which extends and connects to a receptacle retrofitted on each e-truck.
This project, in its pilot phase, involves retrofitting one out of a total of 650 conventionally powered terminal tractors that are currently in use at POLB, so the potential for improvements in operational efficiency and environmental impact are considerable.
The Facilities Engineering Award, now in its seventeenth year, recognises “excellence and performance by port engineer professionals.”
It was presented to the winners in a ceremony at its annual convention held on September 21-23.