ElecTruck
These large Class 8 trucks are port drayage trucks that haul cargo containers to and from seaports. They transport containers relatively short distances, usually between ports and regional warehouses or intermodal facilities, where containers are transferred between trucks and freight trains.
TransPower says the need for its “ElecTrucks” is most evident at America’s largest seaport, California’s San Pedro Bay Port complex, which includes the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.
The area surrounding this port complex has been nicknamed the “Diesel Death Zone” by environmentalists, who are alarmed at the elevated cancer rates and incidences of lung disease among area residents.
Responding to the need to reduce emissions, TransPower is leading a Port Electric Truck Initiative, PETI, with the goal of demonstrating the first practical electric port truck technology in actual drayage service by early 2013.
The team’s first generation of electric port drayage trucks will be operated at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach by drayage firm Total Transportation Services, Inc.