Yantian Port Launches World’s First On-Dock Battery-Swapping Station For Electric Trucks

Hutchison Ports Yantian has partnered with QIJI Energy, to launch the world’s first on-dock chassis battery-swapping station for electric trucks. This innovation aims to drastically improve the efficiency of electric trucks operating at the port and set a new standard for green logistics.

Typically, recharging an electric truck can take over an hour, but with the new battery-swapping technology, the process is completed in just five minutes.

This enables electric trucks to quickly get back to full power and return to their duties without long delays, ultimately boosting the efficiency of port operations.

The collaboration between Hutchison Ports and QIJI Energy isn’t just about the physical battery-swapping station. The project also includes the integration of a cloud-based platform, which supports the entire operation.

This cutting-edge system is designed to work seamlessly with electric trucks of various brands, further enhancing its appeal across the industry.

Additionally, the battery-swapping station is expected to deliver major environmental and cost-saving advantages. The system will help reduce energy consumption by 20% and support around 100 electric trucks.

It is estimated that the initiative will cut diesel consumption by more than 2,000 tonnes annually and reduce direct carbon emissions by over 5,000 tonnes each year.

Yantian Port, which has already been a frontrunner in promoting cleaner energy alternatives like LNG trucks, is now advancing the adoption of electric trucks through this new battery-swapping initiative.

The port plans to expand its use of heavy-duty battery-swapping trucks, depending on the performance outcomes of this first station. With the successful launch of this station, Yantian aims to incorporate more electric trucks into its operations to further reduce its carbon footprint.

The battery-swapping station itself features a unique design, with the batteries being bottom-mounted, which increases the vehicle’s battery capacity to an impressive 342 kWh. This allows the trucks to travel longer distances on a single charge.

By making the battery swap process quicker and more efficient, the system plays a crucial role in ensuring that trucks remain operational for longer periods, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

This year, the port has launched 18 new services, connecting regions such as the United States, South America, the Mediterranean, Australia, and Asia.

These additions are expected to increase the efficiency of imports and exports for Chinese companies by offering more shipping options through multiple channels. Yantian Port operates around 100 international weekly liner services, with more than 60% linking to Europe and the United States.

References: Container News, BitAuto

Source: Maritime Shipping News