The RME225 is being put through rigorous range tests to fine-tune its performance and drivabilityPort 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).”