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Archive for August 30th, 2010

The Prototype of the World’s Most Powerful Short-Range Heavy-Duty Electric Truck

Monday, August 30th, 2010

In 2007, the Port of Los Angeles and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) partnered to fund the prototype of the world’s most powerful short-range heavy-duty electric truck. The agencies split the $527,000 investment to develop and test a heavy-duty truck capable of hauling a fully loaded 40-foot cargo container.
The heavy-duty electric short-haul drayage truck — the first of its kind at any port worldwide — can pull a 60,000-pound cargo container, has a top speed of 40 mph, and has a range between 30 to 60 miles per battery charge. The battery power plants on up to four electric trucks can be simultaneously charged within four hours.
In April 2008, the Los Angeles Harbor Commission approved the production of 20 electric yard trucks, or “hostlers,” following the successful completion of the cargo terminal tests. The 20 hostlers will be deployed in the Port as part of a “green terminal” program. The program will also include the production of five on-road electric models. Balqon will work with the Port and Department of Transportation to obtain the appropriate certification for on-road use. In total, the Port is investing more than $5.6 million to test the viability of electric drayage trucks. Future widespread application of a fleet of electric trucks would be especially useful at the Port of Los Angeles because each year more than 4 million 20-foot-equivalent cargo container units (TEUs) are trucked to and from rail facilities and warehouses within 25 miles from the Port.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.