A Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV electric terminal tractor has been successfully deployed on an in-road charging system in Ljungby, Sweden, enabling continuous operation without ever needing to be plugged in.

Developed by the unfortunately named Elonroad (which has nothing to do with Elon Musk), an electrically charged rail embedded in the road sends power up through a physical contact, slot car style, to Kalmar’s electric terminal trucks, forklifts, and material handlers. When combined with regenerative braking, the system delivers enough power to keep the trucks running continously.

“The ultimate goal is to offer Kalmar customers a worry-free charging solution that delivers effectively unlimited onboard energy for continuous operations,” Per-Erik Johansson, Technology Manager, Electrification, Kalmar. “We are excited to take the next step towards this goal, demonstrating that dynamic charging is not only possible but a promising path forward for the future of electric heavy-duty transport. Following this verification phase, which tests charging efficiency and uptime improvements on the electric road with Kalmar terminal tractor, the technology will be tested in a real-life port environment with pilot customers.”

The joint Elonroad/Kalmar project is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and aims to both further develop the dynamic electric road concept at port environments and identify suitable vehicles for conductive charging during operation.

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Terminal tractors are found in nearly every port, container terminal, and distribution center across the globe – and with their low speeds, heavy loads, and repetitive routes, they are ideal candidates for electrification. Almost.

I say “almost,” because busy ports often operate around the clock, and the need to plug in and charge electric terminal tractors is often identified (incorrectly) as the reason battery electric uptime can’t compete with diesel. The “big slot car” concept from Elonroad solves that, and with a lot less “slot” than you might think. Just 200 meters (about an eighth of a mile) of electrified road that can charge port vehicles both when they’re moving and standing still has been more than enough to keep things moving at the Ljungby port.

“Today, the partnership is demonstrating real potential for transforming how electric industrial vehicles are powered,” reads a Kalmar press release, “and the industry is taking notice.”

Here’s hoping all those companies taking notice start making purchases, and prove they’re serious about cleaning up their operations, even as they make moves to stay in business.

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We already know that in-ground charging – when it works – can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to vehicle electrification. That means my work here is mostly done, and the most important message I can leave you with is this: if you remember that commercial (above), it’s time to schedule that colonoscopy.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Elonroad, Kalmar.

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