Autocar LLC has introduced an emissions-free, all-electric version of its Autocar ACTT terminal tractor, the E-ACTT, which will be available in late 2021.
The purpose-built E-ACTT terminal tractor makes a great work truck even better by helping meet regulatory mandates for the vocational truck industry to reduce fuel consumption by 24 percent by model year 2027 and, in California, to transition diesel trucks to zero-emission trucks, the company says.
“The E-ACTT is the same reliable, heavy-duty Autocar ACTT but is all electric. Autocar Truck has been a key innovator in the EV truck market dating back to 1923 when we designed our first two EV trucks, Autocar Truck E1 and E2,” says Mark Aubry, general manager, Terminal Tractor division, Autocar Truck.
“The E-ACTT is the only original equipment manufacturer terminal tractor, with an OEM developed electric vehicle system, all Autocar,” says Andrew Taitz, chairman of Autocar Truck.
The Autocar E-ACTT electric powertrain with telemetry/diagnostic systems were designed specifically for severe-duty application by Vorza. Vorza’s electric fleet vehicle development team worked directly with Autocar Truck to create a 24/7 powertrain capable of handling the rigorous demands of semi-trailer yard spotting and container handling, Autocar says.
Autocar’s temperature-controlled lithium-ion battery technology and onboard charging system in the E-ACTT terminal tractor are designed to meet demanding duty cycles with minimal operational disruptions, similar operationally to its current diesel counterparts. With the Autocar E-ACTT, operators now have a much quieter and lower vibration zero-emissions option, reliable and powerful enough to do the job, the company says.
With advanced monitoring systems and innovative telematics in every environmentally friendly unit, the E-ACTT terminal tractor provides cost savings for both predictive and preventive maintenance. It is designed to improve a fleet’s productivity and efficiency by maximizing uptime. Autocar’s telematics allows each tractor to predict when maintenance is needed, allowing the fleet owner to reduce or eliminate downtime and generate cost savings.
Designed specifically for spotting trailers and containers at distribution centers, warehouse/trucking yards, industrial operations, intermodal/rail terminals and port terminals, Autocar says its E-ACTT terminal tractor’s features include:
- Custom-built for the customer’s vocational and site-specific needs
- Integration of high quality, off-the-shelf components
- The tallest, widest, deepest cab and door combination in the industry
- Premium cab noise and temperature insulation and matting
- A robust hydraulics system with fast up/down speeds
- Easy ingress/egress
- Tractor-trailer auto-lock system
- Exclusive four-point premium cab air suspension
- Autocar Solutions, factory-direct service
- Choice of warranty service either in-house or by a third-party
“From our customer sight testing experiences, we expect the Autocar E-ACTT to have lower overall maintenance costs than its diesel counterpart,” says Eric Schwartz, president of Autocar’s Terminal Tractor business in Hagerstown, Ind.
“Our EV technology eliminates the need for a lot of necessary preventive maintenance, such as oil changes, transmission service, fan belts, air filters and other traditional fuel-based engine services. Plus, it eliminates the need and cost to completely replace the diesel engine at approximately 25,000 working hours. Fewer moving parts in a robust EV design means increased savings for owners and longer terminal tractor service lifecycles,” Schwartz says.
“We purpose-build our tractors with operators and fleet managers in mind, with driver productivity, comfort, maximum value at the forefront and always with a heavy focus on lowering total cost of ownership,” says Aubry. “Our commitment to our customers is to deliver the best value and service, and to provide a complete Autocar solution for their specific needs.”
