Terminal trucks are among the unsung heroes of many company operations. Also known as a yard tractor, shunt truck or spotter truck, it is a semi-tractor designed to move semi-trailers in a warehouse, cargo yard or intermodal facility. These tractors play a significant role in a fleet company’s operations, meaning making them efficient and eco-friendly translates to the whole operation. Here’s why you should consider using electric-powered terminal tractors

They are a visible step toward sustainability.

Every company is conscious of reducing carbon emissions and their effect on the environment. Soon yard tractors will be subject to emission regulations just like on-road trucks. Battery-powered electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than diesel or petrol-powered trucks. A single electric terminal tractor can save over 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide annually. Having electric yard trucks is an obvious step that a company is conscious about its carbon footprint and is working toward going green and maintaining sustainability. 

You can use them inside warehouses too.

The most significant advantage of using electric terminal trucks is zero emissions. Since they are not burning any fuel to power the tractor, no carbon emissions and exhaust fumes are produced. This means that aside from operating outside on the yard, these trucks can also work inside warehouses and not put workers at risk. Additionally, these vehicles are quieter and more responsive, making them great for indoor use. 

Electric terminal trucks are an excellent way to learn about battery power electric vehicles.

Since terminal trucks spend most of their lifetimes in one location, they make a good case study for electrification in commercial vehicles. With various telematic devices, fleets can track the daily range, battery charge state, speed profiles, charging events and more to see how these factors affect the trucks’ performance. 

While most fleets understand the need for electrification, they are wary of it because of the high costs involved. However, using electric terminal trucks is an excellent way to dip their toes into this tech and see how it would translate if applied to long-distance fleet trucks.  

They use opportunity charging.

This means these EVs take every available opportunity to charge the tractor during the day or shift. Since most yard trucks are used in small areas, loading times are a great opportunity to charge the vehicle. If a truck pulls into a store for a delivery, you can use the time spent waiting to charge the vehicle. This goes a long way in enhancing the daily range of these EVs. For instance, with a powerful optimized charger, such as a 152 kW charger, you can charge a 182 kWh battery to 100% in about an hour. With this type of opportunity charging, you can utilize every break to keep the terminal truck charged, allowing you to have continuous operations.  

Yard tractors are the perfect application for EVs. They offer companies a chance to reduce emissions and increase efficiency and productivity. Electric terminal tractors are the ideal application for electrification, and with everything you stand to gain and learn from them, it’s easier to convert your whole fleet to EVs.