The material handling industry is seeing a gradual but steady move toward electrification. Ports, terminals, and warehouses are under growing pressure to reduce local emissions, operate more quietly, and adapt to future energy needs. Volvo Penta’s electromobility platform has been developed with these changes in mind — offering purpose-built electric drivelines and energy storage subsystems tailored to the practical needs of industrial applications.
An example of a purpose-built drivelines for industrial use in MOL's 4 x 4 electric terminal tractor as part of an ongoing trial in the port of Ghent.
Material handling equipment operates in demanding conditions: long hours, high loads, tight spaces, and, increasingly, indoor environments. Volvo Penta’s electric drivelines are designed specifically for such off-road and industrial use — not adapted from on-road systems but built to meet the mechanical and operational needs of machines such as forklifts, terminal tractors, and container handlers.
These drivelines enable quieter and more responsive operation, which is especially important in urban or regulated areas. Developed by the Volvo Group, this platform builds on proven technology already in use across heavy-duty applications such as trucks and construction equipment.
Simplified integration, shared responsibility
For OEMs, the shift to electric involves more than swapping an engine for a motor. It requires full system integration: batteries, transmissions, software controls, and charging interfaces all need to work together.
Volvo Penta’s platform provides a complete system from one supplier, covering most of the key driveline components. This is particularly useful for OEMs looking to scale electric offerings without expanding internal resources significantly, while simplifying maintenance routines to help operators manage uptime and service intervals more effectively. Having one partner for most of the system provides a clearer path for troubleshooting, performance tuning, and lifecycle service planning.
Energy storage to support charging demands
As electric machines become more common, many sites face challenges related to energy availability and charging infrastructure. To support this, Volvo Penta also offers battery storage subsystems for BESS OEMs – designed to complement the electric driveline and help stabilize energy use on site.
BESS units can store energy during off-peak hours or from renewable sources, then discharge it when demand is high, or grid access is limited. Volvo Penta's energy dense and compact design facilitates transportability; enabling the movement of energy where it’s needed the most.
MOL and Volvo Penta unite to develop full electric 4X4 RoRo tractors
Collaborative approach
Volvo Penta’s role in the transition to electromobility is built around partnerships. Through co-engineering, the company works closely with OEMs to adapt solutions to each application — whether that's matching energy needs, mechanical interfaces, or control strategies. This collaborative approach helps shorten development time and ensures the system fits both the machine and its operating environment.
At TOC Europe in Rotterdam from 17 – 19 Jun 2025, Volvo Penta is inviting industry partners to join the conversation. Visitors to Booth C24 can explore current technologies, discuss project requirements, and connect with engineering experts to understand how a system-based solution could apply to their own operations.
Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.
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