An electric terminal tractor in Ljungby, Sweden, has been successfully deployed on an in-road charging system, allowing it to run continuously without ever needing to be plugged in. The Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV represents a shift in how heavy-duty electric vehicles can operate in logistics hubs.
The system charges the vehicle wirelessly as it moves, eliminating downtime for battery replenishment. This approach addresses a key barrier to electric adoption in port and distribution center operations, where vehicles often run around the clock.
Infrastructure for in-road charging remains limited, with only a handful of test sites globally. The Ljungby deployment serves as a pilot to demonstrate feasibility for broader commercial use.
The technology could reduce reliance on large onboard batteries, lowering vehicle weight and cost. However, widespread deployment would require significant investment in road infrastructure modifications.
Critics argue that in-road charging systems remain too expensive and impractical for large-scale adoption. Maintenance challenges and weather vulnerability also raise questions about long-term reliability compared to conventional plug-in charging.