Volvo Penta, TICO Complete Build of EV Terminal Tractor Prototypes

The Volvo Group has delivered and integrated its electric driveline into the first of a series of prototype fully electric terminal tractors to U.S. customer, TICO – who will be testing the prototypes with a variety of major fleet partners.

The success and speed of this project can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, a strong collaboration between TICO and Volvo Penta helped to solve common development issues quickly. Secondly, this solution is based on Volvo Group technology tailored to TICO’s application in terms of performance and energy needs. Thirdly, Volvo Penta’s knowledge of electromobility and its experience accumulated during earlier projects – like Rosenbauer and Terminal tractor proof of concept – has paved the way for this latest achievement. Finally, when it comes to developing tailor-made electric driveline solutions, Volvo Penta’s full system supply approach – handling the development and installation of the complete electric driveline solution and its integration into the vehicle – has allowed TICO to focus on improving the vehicle’s functionality.

Ports and distribution hubs have highly organized fleets and operations with favorable environments to develop charging infrastructure, having well-defined duty cycles, making them the perfect fit for this kind of technology. Volvo Penta analyzed the operations of the TICO customer in real-time and based its electric system on this data and simulations. With good management of electrified vehicle fleets and access to high-power charging opportunities, this new technology could mean fleet owners will see notable benefits from a total cost of ownership perspective, including:

• Eliminated fuel costs – this will be even more important for the future, with prices rising and emissions legislation becoming more restrictive.
• Reduced maintenance – electric drivelines have much fewer maintenance requirements compared to conventional solutions.
• Reduced vehicle stoppages and need for spare parts.
• Possibilities to benefit from green incentives.

TICO will build a series of prototypes in close collaboration with Volvo Penta. These prototypes will be tested and continuously developed, finetuned, and improved. This approach – working closely with OEMs and their customers – embodies Volvo Penta’s process of tackling new product development. The company puts a strong emphasis on understanding end users’ needs and delivering technology and solutions that meet those needs but that are also reliable, safe, and create value.