The shipping industry may be one of the oldest and most traditional industries in the world but it is now embracing an electric revolution.
At the San Pedro Bay, California, port complex, Balqon Corporation has begun production of all-electric, heavy-duty drayage trucks that can haul 30 ton shipping containers. It is part of Los Angeles’ Clean Air Action Plan with the development of the demonstration electric truck costing $527,000.
The vehicle uses a 336V traction battery pack that has deep cycle lead batteries as well as a square tubular positive plate design that creates maximum exposure to the electrolyte. It also includes an automatic watering system that is controlled with an on-board timer circuit.
After the completion of cargo terminal tests during 2008, the Los Angeles Harbour Commission approved the purchase of 20 production electric trucks from the manufacturer as part of the green terminal programme.
It is hoped that in the long term these electric vehicles could replace the fossil fuel powered yard tractors, otherwise known as “hostlers”, that move thousands of containers a day between the Port’s docks and terminal back-land.
The green terminal programme is also expected to include five on-road electric trucks with Balqon currently working with the Port and Department of Transportation to gain certification for road use.
In total, the Port is investing in excess of $5.6million to demonstrate the viability of electric drayage trucks.
