Heavy duty (really heavy duty) electric truck in use at LA port
The Port of Los Angeles is a testing ground for alternative powertrains, mostly LNG trucks and, well, LNG trucks. But battery-powered heavy duty vehicles are not being left out of picture, with the Port and the South Coast Air Quality Management District testing a very, very big electric truck. This behemoth can pull 60,000 pounds of cargo, go 40mph, and has a 60 mile range. It can also recharge in "a few hours," according to a video produced by the Port. The prototype truck was built for around $527,000 starting in 2007, and in April 2008 the Los Angeles Harbor Commission approved the production of 20 electric yard trucks. Funds for five trucks that would drive a bit farther, over-the-road electric trucks, were also approved. If the entire Port fleet were converted to electric-drive, then at least 2m short range trips a year could be powered by electrons instead of diesel.
Using battery-powered trucks at the port is almost the perfect application of EV technology. Current batteries are heavy, but who cares when the truck is this big? EVs have that whole range limit issue, but in the confines of the port, it's no big whoop. And, considering that the trucks these EVs could replace are diesels (which I'll assume are often idling and getting 0mpg as they are loaded and unloaded), the zero-emission feature is very welcome.
See the video of the truck in action after the break.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
me2 5:45PM (6/17/2008)
I'd really like to know more about that truck. What is the energy capacity of its battery, for example. What motor are they using ?
Anyone in LA care to investigate and report back ?
Thanks
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stevefazek 6:39PM (6/17/2008)
these trucks dont need much speed or range. The literally drive 2 mile trips all day from under the crain the the warehouse.
Now the problem is these trucks run 24/7
now only if they could do Ultra Caps and
and a induction based charger where it doesnt need contact but just dumps mega amps into it to give it a 5 mile charge in a few seconds. Have coils in in the ground
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me2 9:17PM (6/17/2008)
See here:
http://www.balqon.com/http://www.balqon.com/
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Jimmy 10:56PM (6/17/2008)
This is the perfect use for electric drive! More info on the balqon.com site for this E-30 model.
This site says the vehicle is using lead-acid batteries: http://www.hybridmile.com/alternative-fuel/angeles-invests/
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Scott 5:14PM (6/18/2008)
Vital statistics from FAQ http://www.portoflosangeles.org/DOC/Electric_Truck_Fact_Sheet.pdf
Performance
Maximum speed: 40 mph
Maximum range (empty): 60 miles/full charge
Maximum Range (fully loaded): 30 miles/full charge
Charging Specs
Charging Time (60% charge): 1 hour
Charging Time (100% charge): 3-4 hours
Price per truck: $189,950 (yard hostler model); $208,500 (on-road model)
Price of charger: $75,000, can charge 4 vehicles simultaneously
Charger Connection: existing 440v system (total output 80kw)
Energy and Costs
Electric Truck at 2 Kw-H/mile: 20 cents/mile
Diesel Truck at 5 MPG: 80 cents to 90 cents per mile (double when adjusted for idle-time)
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