Kalmar Introduces Gen 2 Battery for Electric Straddle Carriers
Kalmar Introduces Gen 2 Battery for Electric Straddle Carriers
Kalmar, a global player in port and terminal equipment, has rolled out its new-generation Gen 2 lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system for electric straddle carrier solutions on a global scale. The new battery solution stands out for its increased energy capacity, improved thermal stability, and extended operating periods. With this move, Kalmar aims to accelerate its customers' transition toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable cargo-handling operations.
The Gen 2 battery solution was developed specifically to meet the rising expectations of terminal and port operators seeking to transition to fully electric equipment. The advanced cell chemistry used in the battery offers a longer service life compared to earlier-generation battery technologies. This advancement directly benefits equipment owners by positively impacting total cost of ownership (TCO), reducing battery replacement frequency and lowering long-term operational costs.
The new-generation battery's nominal capacity has reached 533 kilowatt-hour (kWh). This represents approximately a 25% increase compared to Kalmar's previous-generation battery technology. Usable capacity is rated at 453 kWh. This capacity increase enables electric straddle carriers to operate uninterrupted for longer periods and provides operators with greater flexibility in shift planning.
The increased battery capacity extends the equipment's battery autonomy duration. Kalmar notes that this enables the concurrent application of different charging strategies. In particular, depot charging can be performed during meal breaks and supported by hands-free opportunity charging during shifts. This approach supports hot-seat operation, in which equipment can remain in continuous use across shift changes without downtime.
According to information shared by Kalmar, electric straddle carriers equipped with the Gen 2 battery can provide up to 10 hours of net operating time, depending on energy consumption levels. This performance closely approximates a full shift operation for many terminal activities and reduces dependence on diesel equipment.
With the introduction of the new battery solution, Kalmar has also integrated a megawatt charging system (MCS) into its testing processes. The MCS deployed at the test facility in Tampere, Finland is viewed as a significant step in terms of the role high-power charging infrastructure will play in future electric heavy-duty terminal equipment. This system aims to minimize operational interruptions by delivering higher energy transfer in shorter timeframes.
Marko Hopeaharju, who serves as Head of Horizontal Transportation Solutions at Kalmar, emphasizes that the Gen 2 battery represents a significant milestone for the company. According to Hopeaharju, the new solution represents a major advancement over previous generations in terms of energy capacity, safety, and operational lifespan. With longer operating periods and enhanced reliability, customers can transition to fully electric fleets without compromising performance.
From an industry perspective, this development demonstrates that the trends of electrification, decarbonization, and lifecycle sustainability are gaining momentum in port and terminal operations. Electric straddle carriers are emerging as a strategic solution, particularly for terminals with carbon emission reduction targets. Kalmar's Gen 2 battery investment demonstrates that this transformation is being addressed not only at the equipment level but also across energy infrastructure and operational models.
In conclusion, the Kalmar Gen 2 battery solution expands the operational boundaries of electric straddle carriers and provides terminal operators with a longer-duration, flexible, and cost-optimized operating model. This move clearly demonstrates that the widespread adoption of electric solutions in port equipment will continue to accelerate in the coming period.
Key Points
Kalmar has globally launched the Gen 2 Li-ion battery solution for electric straddle carriers
The new battery offers 25% higher nominal capacity compared to the previous generation
With 533 kWh nominal and 453 kWh usable capacity, longer operating periods are achieved
Equipment can achieve up to 10 hours of net operating time depending on conditions
The megawatt charging system (MCS) has been deployed at Kalmar's test facility in Finland
The solution delivers significant advantages in terms of TCO, safety, and sustainability
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News Link: https://www.porttechnology.org/news/kalmar-introduces-gen-2-battery-for-electric-straddle-carriers/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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