Class 8 electric semis from Peterbilt and Nikola and electric yard tractor manufacturer MAFI were shown off Tuesday at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. The trucks, along with new equipment, including a forklift and variety of heavy-duty electric-powered trucks, will be made available to interested port tenants and trucking companies. Photo provided / Ports of Indiana
PORTAGE — The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Tuesday launched a new electric vehicle demonstration program. Heavy-duty trucks, yard jockeys and forklifts are now available to port operators, businesses and trucking companies to use as part of port trucking operations.
Featured at the port were leading Class 8 electric semis from Peterbilt and Nikola and electric yard tractor manufacturer MAFI. New equipment, including a forklift and a variety of heavy-duty electric-powered trucks, will be made available throughout the program for interested port tenants and trucking companies to try.
The program is part of the Ports of Indiana’s broader initiatives to achieve a greener, energy-resilient and sustainable port.
“Ports are all about transportation and logistical connections,” said Andrea Hermer, Ports of Indiana’s chief operating officer. “We are looking at electricity and other sources of energy in the same way – critical connections to port operations and the future.”
The Ports of Indiana is collaborating with Current Trucking, which along with NIPSCO, has provided the vehicles, chargers and operational support during the pilot. NIPSCO is supplying power to support industrial-grade DC fast chargers at the port.
“We are showcasing the best available heavy-haul electrification technology from the industry’s leading manufacturers,” said Pip Decker, Current Trucking founder and project team member. “We hope to demonstrate to operators how e-mobility adoption reduces total operating costs.”
Hermer agreed, saying, “Connecting best available technology with port users is key to gaining their confidence in implementing electric-power into their trucking operations.
“Having port businesses participate in the program, including Bulk Equipment Corp., is essential for a successful program and ultimate adoption at the port.”
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