Cummins to Release Electric Powertrain for Terminal Tractors

Original Article by Heavy Duty Trucking

Cummins announced it will release its electric PowerDrive 8000 system to integrate into the terminal tractor application.

In early 2022, Cummins will begin field tests with Kalmar to offer battery electric terminal tractors globally.

Cummins designed the PowerDrive 8000 for the terminal tractor segment to better meet the necessary duty-cycle and power requirements for the distribution and port environments. The driveline can handle a variety of vehicle configurations, supporting gross vehicle weights from 80,000 lbs. to 195,000 lbs. The system is equipped with compact, temperature-controlled batteries allowing the vehicles to operate in tough climate conditions, company officials said.

The terminal tractors — ideal for electrification due to duty cycle and operation within relatively confined spaces — will be powered with up to 182 kWh of Cummins batteries and will be equipped with DC-fast charge technology.