Electric 4x4 RoRo tractor on trial in Ghent

News Story
- 13 Jun 2024 ( #1183 ) - Ghent, Belgium
2 min read
The RME225 is being put through rigorous range tests to fine-tune its performance and drivability
The RME225 is being put through rigorous range tests to fine-tune its performance and drivability

Port handling equipment maker MOL and Volvo Penta have begun trials of an electric 4X4 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) tractor, the RME225, at the Port of Ghent.

The vehicle features a Volvo Penta driveline consisting of three battery packs totalling 270 kWh of installed energy, an EPT802 gearbox and two 200 kW propulsion motors. 

A separate 50 kW motor powers the hydraulic system and the fifth wheel. 

Designed for high productivity and performance, the RME225 aims to operate a full shift and provide an alternative to its diesel counterparts. 

The trials are taking place at the Port of Ghent, a strategic hub for DFDS, one of Northern Europe's largest shipping and logistics companies. 

DFDS has provided support for the trials, including a dedicated operator and a specially designated monitoring space. 

This collaborative effort reflects DFDS’ effort to reduce the company's environmental impact, aligning with its recent procurement of 100 electric trucks from Volvo, adding to the 125 heavy electric trucks previously acquired.

“The technical progress achieved through our collaboration with Volvo Penta in creating the full electric 4x4 RME225 terminal tractor demonstrates our efforts to expand our range of new emission-free vehicles specifically for the rigorous needs of heavy-duty port equipment,” says Conrad Verplancke, sales engineer from MOL. 

“We’re ensuring that it performs reliably, efficiently and effectively in real-life operational scenarios.” 

As part of the trial, MOL is conducting rigorous range tests on the RME225 to fine-tune vehicle performance and drivability. 

These tests will ensure the vehicle can handle heavy loads and operate efficiently under the demanding schedules typical of port operations. 

“The value of electrification extends beyond the initial technology investment,” explains Jeroen Overvelde, area sales manager at Volvo Penta. 

“The full electric tractor matches its diesel counterparts in performance, with potentially higher acceleration rates and available torque on the RME225. 

“Success hinges on delivering superior performance and optimising total cost of ownership (TCO).”

LA Berth transitions to electric forklift fleet
LA Berth transitions to electric forklift fleet 15 May 2025 - Los Angeles, CA, United States - 1 min read
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas electrification factory built
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas electrification factory built 8 May 2025 - Houston, TX, United States - 1 min read
Chilean port’s equipment investment
Chilean port’s equipment investment 6 Feb 2025 - Port of Iquique, Chile - 1 min read
Previously about:
Volvo Penta’s electromobility platform for material handling Advertisement - 29 May 2025 - 3 min read
Volvo Penta, FTMH partner on electrification News Story - 8 Jun 2023 - Gothenberg, Sweden - 1 min read
Volvo-Terberg partnership extends to engines News Story - 18 Dec 2014 - Gothenburg, Sweden - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

Words of support …

I know I can count on them. They give valuable suggestions on the campaign planning, and to publish content is as easy as abc, as they take care of the material layout and check links. This is a great support.

Annalisa Castellini, Marketing Manager

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

PREMIUM business

Flexi® By Narrow Aisle Limited
Leading manufacturers of very narrow aisle (VNA) equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.