Kalmar Launches 3rd-Gen Electric Terminal Tractor

Four different models of the new Ottawa T2 EV are available, including an on-road version for North America.

March 24, 2025

Ryan Gehm

The T2 EV is fully designed and built in-house at Kalmar’s Ottawa, Kansas facility. (Kalmar)

Electric vehicle (EV) growth may be stagnant in certain market sectors amid pushback on EV mandates along with lingering infrastructure and TCO concerns, but in terminal tractor operations electrification is growing in demand. As part of its initial Run on Less – Electric demonstration, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) concluded that terminal tractors are “one of the best, if not the best, paths for heavy-duty tractor fleets to learn about and implement a BEV in a fleet operation.”

The T2 EV underwent extensive dynamic and static climate-controlled testing, including for defrost and charging performance. (Kalmar)

Fleets operating in ports, intermodal yards and other logistics hubs have a new option from which to choose now that Kalmar officially began sales of its Ottawa T2 EV electric terminal tractor. The order book opened at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s (TMC) 2025 Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee, in March. Kalmar states that select customers have already placed preorders. Initial deliveries will begin in Q2 2025.

Three different LFP battery capacities are available: 105 kWh, 140 kWh and 210 kWh. (Kalmar)

The T2 EV represents Kalmar’s third-generation electric terminal tractor and is fully designed and built in-house at the company’s Ottawa, Kansas facility. There are four different models available – two specifically designed for container ports and terminals, and two for distribution applications including an on-road version available for North America.

“Kalmar Ottawa gained a significant amount of knowledge from our first two generations of battery-electric terminal tractors,” Eric Streich, manager, zero emission sales, Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors, told SAE Media. “This generation was solely designed by Kalmar Ottawa engineers and built in Ottawa, Kansas. We control the design right down to the component level, which will allow us to quickly adapt to new technology.”

Three different LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery capacities are available: 105 kWh, 140 kWh and 210 kWh. Every battery configuration comes with a six-year/2,800-charge cycle warranty. A three-year/6,500-hour warranty is offered on major electric components. Kalmar says it can help customers determine which battery option and charging solution is best for their business based on current work cycles.

“Our engineers have evaluated every aspect of how to make the T2 the most efficient machine possible, and that solution was to electrify the current market-leading T2 terminal tractor,” said Thor Brenden, president of terminal tractors at Kalmar. He noted that the T2 EV has lower operating costs and is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.

Major engineering changes

Three major changes were made to the new electric terminal tractor compared to previous generations. The vehicle’s driveline has been simplified by eliminating the transmission. Kalmar opted for a direct drive solution where the traction motor powers the rear axle for better efficiency.

The T2 EV’s driveline has been simplified by eliminating the transmission. Kalmar opted for a direct drive solution where the traction motor powers the rear axle. (Kalmar)

Engineers also added an Active Thermal Management System that enables the electric terminal tractor to operate at full power in extreme temperatures. The system is said to keep the core battery temperature between 77 and 86°F (25 and 30°C). The T2 EV underwent extensive testing, including 240 hours of dynamic and static climate-controlled performance testing from -22 to +122°F (-30 to +50°C).

A DC fast-charge system that “significantly” decreases charge time is the third major enhancement. Charging solutions up to 150 kW with CCS1 connectors reportedly enable fast charging in about an hour and allow for opportunity charging as needed. Extreme-climate charging performance testing was performed over six months to validate real-world reliability and operational efficiency.

Kalmar’s battery monitoring system (BMS) continually monitors the voltage, temperature, coolant and current flow of the battery packs. The system also controls the charging of the batteries by utilizing regenerative braking.

“We have also learned how important it is to shorten the learning curve for the operator when it comes to driving a battery-electric terminal tractor,” Streich told SAE Media. “We realize that most customers are not going to go out and replace their entire fleet of diesel tractors all at once. We have designed the T2 EV cabin in such a way that the only significant difference is the interactive display. The HVAC, lighting, boom and directional controls are in the same place on both models. This will allow an operator to smoothly transition from a diesel to an EV and back without too much hassle.”

Kalmar designed the T2 EV cabin to be very similar to its other terminal tractors. The only significant difference is the interactive display. (Kalmar)

Designers focused on creating a safe, comfortable cab for operators. The thermal management system is linked to the climate control system, reducing the energy used to heat or cool the cabin. The T2 EV features a push-button start. Quieter vehicle operation and less vibration also lessen operator fatigue.

All high-voltage lines have been encased and shielded. Kalmar notes that if any connection is interrupted, the whole system will automatically shut down. The company also designed a high-voltage training course for customers to enhance the skills and safety of their drivers and workers when working with electrically powered equipment.

The transition to electric terminal tractors is crucial, according to Kalmar, particularly in regions like Southern California. Regulations such as the South Coast AQMD’s Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) Program encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Kalmar also offers electrically powered forklift trucks, reach stackers and empty-container handlers as part of its EV portfolio.