Eco trucks contract for Californian ports

The tractors will be equipped with TransPower-designed drive, powertrain controls, accessory and energy storage subsystems along with Meritor axles and brakes which work in tandem with the TransPower electric powertrain.

“This is one of the largest contracts ever awarded for battery electric terminal tractors and it further validates Meritor’s position as a leader in electric drivetrains as we work toward the commercialization of battery-electric vehicles,” said T.J. Reed, vice president of front drivetrain and electrification for Meritor, which will supply the systems under its Blue Horizon technology brand.

Capable machinery

These DINA branded battery-electric terminal tractors are designed operate for 16-hour days and can haul up to 130,000 pounds of cargo.

Each tractor is designed to operate for two eight-hour shifts with a one-hour opportunity charge between each shift, followed by overnight charging. The tractors will also be equipped with automated charging technologies to further reduce total operating costs.

Meritor and TransPower have been collaborating with SSA Marine to finalise the design of the vehicles. Meritor and TransPower were awarded the US$17.1m contract with SSA Marine following the US$50m Port of Long Beach obtained from the California Air Resources Board-funded (CARB) Zero and Near Zero Emission Freight Facility (ZANZEFF) programme, part of California Climate Investments.

Deliveries of the vehicles are scheduled to begin later this year through October 2020.