Kalmar has announced that it will expand the FastCharge technology into its hybrid straddle and shuttle carrier product portfolio and its new Kalmar FastCharge Hybrid Straddle Carrier will be the first of its kind on the market.
It is especially targeted for existing straddle carrier terminals not able to utilise fully electric powered solution for various reasons.
Dr Tero Kokko, Vice President of Intelligent Horizontal Transportation Solutions at Kalmar, said: “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.
“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 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.
PTI previously reported on its Kalmar Insight solution which allows terminals to track real-time performance and productivity.