MOL starts testing electric port tractor in Ghent
The electric port vehicle features a Volvo Penta driveline consisting of three battery packs totaling 270 kWh of installed energy, an EPT802 gearbox, and two 200 kW propulsion motors. A separate 50 kW motor powers the hydraulic system and the fifth wheel. MOL stated that the test period aims to address the unique challenges faced by port-based vehicles, enhancing their performance, range, and reliability.
“The technical progress achieved through our collaboration with Volvo Penta in creating the full electric 4×4 RME225 terminal tractor demonstrates our efforts to expand our range of new emission-free vehicles specifically for the rigorous needs of heavy-duty port equipment,” said Conrad Verplancke, sales engineer from MOL. “We’re ensuring that it performs reliably, efficiently, and effectively in real-life operational scenarios.”
“As fleet owner and terminal operator at the Port of Ghent, we are happy to support these trials and the development and testing of the electric 4X4 RME225 RoRo tractor. This is in line with our efforts to decarbonize our land-based activities, improve the working environment, and increase the efficiency of our port operations,” added Raf De Wit, Terminal Director at DFDS Ghent terminal.
This is not the first such venture for conversion expert Volvo Penta, as a partnership with Italian manufacturer FTMH (Fantuzzi Team Material Handling) to electrify forklifts was announced last summer. A cooperation with Danfoss Editron was announced in 2021 to electrify the marine sector.
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