LA in electric top handler first

The five electric top handlers bought by Yusen Terminals will replace more polluting diesel-powered equipment.

“These all-electric cargo top handlers are the culmination of years of rigorous, real-world prototype testing and development here at our port,” said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka.

“Our collective commitment to pursuing this technology has paid off, helping prove this equipment’s commercial viability.”

In 2019, the Port of Los Angeles was reportedly the first in the world to begin testing zero-emissions top handler prototypes designed and built by Taylor Machine Works. This real-world testing helped inform the final design of the commercial units put into service at Yusen Terminals.

The new Taylor ZLC 996 top handlers will be powered by a 650V all-electric battery power drivetrain, capable of running two-full shifts under normal work cycles. After five hours’ charge at 180W the units are ready to go.

There are currently 215 diesel top handlers used throughout the Port of Los Angeles, which account for about 30% of all emissions from cargo-handling equipment at the port’s terminals.

The port aims to transition all cargo handling equipment at its terminals to zero-emissions by 2030 and all drayage trucks by 2035.