Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cargo-Moving Tractor in Tests

Passenger cars are not the only ones that slowly migrate towards hybrid powertrains. Tractors are following the same trend and are slowly adopting this kind of fuel consumption reduction technology that would help companies save hundreds of gallons of fuel per year.

So here it is, a plug-in hybrid electric terminal tractor which is used to move shipping containers and cargo in the port will enter a testing trial at the Port of Long Beach. In case the tractor proves to be efficient, it could replace the diesel counterparts, the Electric Power Research Institute, which is coordinating the project, said in a release.

The plug-in hybrid electric tractor can be recharged from an electric grid and could move containers weighing up to 95,000 pounds. It is expected to use 3,000 gallons of fuel per year less than a diesel tractor, according to data released by EPRI.

“Terminal tractors are the most prevalent piece of equipment at container ports and they typically idle 50 percent to 80 percent of the time they’re in use,” said Andra Rogers, senior project manager of Electric Transportation at EPRI. “It’s feasible that by converting their tractor fleets ports could reduce emissions from this source by 80 percent for nitrogen oxides, 50 percent for carbon dioxide and significant amounts of other criteria pollutants. These vehicles can make a big impact on lowering a port’s overall emissions.”

The three-month test at the Port of Long Beach will be followed by several other trials at ports in Savannah, Ga., Mobile, Ala., Houston, and New York City.