Kalmar Launches FastCharge Hybrid Straddle Carrier

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, announced today that it will expand the FastCharge technology into its hybrid straddle and shuttle carrier product portfolio. The new Kalmar FastCharge Hybrid Straddle Carrier will be the first of its kind on the market, and it is especially targeted for existing straddle carrier terminals not able to utilise fully electric powered solution for various reasons.
 
"By combining FastCharge and hybrid technologies, we are making the electric powered solution accessible for more terminals and therefore helping them to cut down emission levels significantly", says Dr. Tero Kokko, Vice President, Intelligent Horizontal Transportation Solutions at Kalmar. He then continues: "When using hybrid technology, the operating area of the machine can be expanded into terminal locations where electrification is not possible or even feasible. Furthermore, it allows operators to electrify their terminal step-by-step and gradually move into all-electric solution if needed."
 
Kalmar also announced several further improvements into the shuttle and straddle carrier design. Thanks to these developments, the machines require less maintenance and have improved automation readiness.
 
Kalmar introduced the industry-first opportunity charging solution the Kalmar FastCharge(TM) in December 2015. The solution is locally emission free, and it is based on the same opportunity charging technology that is used in electric buses with modern Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Kalmar's Hybrid Straddle and Shuttle Carriers are proven solutions that are helping terminals around the world to reduce their environmental impact, including Virginia International Gateway and DP World London Gateway.