Trova E-Spotter electric terminal truck [video]

Instead of electrifying an existing HD truck platform, Dublin, Virginia-based Trova developed its all-electric E-Spotter terminal tractor from the ground up for durability, driver comfort, and low-maintenance operation.

Whether you call them terminal trucks, yard dogs, or mules, these heavy-duty workhorses are tailor-made for electrification. Their work is all low-speed, high-torque, short-distance precision moves – and that’s exactly the kind of job electric drivetrains excel at. The quiet, vibration-free, instant power operation of electric drive is in its element in the yard, which is why electric terminal tractors have become one of the fastest-growing segments in commercial trucking. And now Trova wants a piece of the action.

Trova says its 220 kWh battery packs (110 ea.) are equipped with an advanced active cooling system and placed between the E-Spotter’s frame rails, and cleverly designed for easy removal using a drawer-like slide in the front bumper, which you can see in the company’s video, posted to LinkedIn earlier this week, below.

Trova’s initial launch materials seem to take aim at industry leader Orange EV, citing that Trova’s “competitors” place their batteries outside the frame rails as an “afterthought,” and pushing the E-Spotter’s use of standard CCS1 automotive charge ports instead of the two-pin high-current industrial DC connectors used in the early, pre-Juicer era Orange EVs.

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The Trova’s funky-looking, forward-tilted windshield allegedly offers unparalleled visibility from its two-person cab, along with “best in class” ingress and egress to maximize comfort and minimize risk of operator injury, while and the company says its 220 kWh combined battery capacity is good for two full shifts between charging for maximum uptime.

Electrek’s Take

Terminal tractors really are an ideal application for electrification, and companies like DHL favorite Orange EV have spent more than a decade proving that in the marketplace. And, while Orange may have a head start in the EV space, there’s no question that new electric yard dogs from Einride, MOL (above), Tico, and even Peterbilt could prove to be some real competition if they ever come stateside.

That said, competition typically improves the breed, and more electrification at America’s ports is only going to mean better working and living conditions for the people who work and live near those ports. As such, new entries into this space can only be a good thing for consumers.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Trova, via LinkedIn.

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