Autocar, manufacturer of specialized severe-duty vocational vehicles, delivered its first battery-electric terminal tractor to Old Dominion Freight Line, one of the largest less-than-truckload motor carriers in North America.

Autocar delivered the electric terminal tractor to Old Dominion’s facility in Rialto, California for driver orientation before the carrier deploys the truck into the field. Autocar representatives will provide onsite orientation to help Old Dominion Freight Line operators understand and adjust to the electric terminal tractor’s features.

Autocar announced the battery-electric terminal tractor, E-ACTT, in 2021 to help fleets meet regulatory mandates in the vocational truck industry. The E-ACTT is equipped with a 210-kWh modular battery pack that can last up to 22 hours on a single, full charge. The E-ACTT uses the industry standard CCS-1 compliant DC fast charging with charging up to 150 kW and to help sustain long lasting battery life, according to the company. Autocar utilizes liquid cooled/heated batteries.

With an advanced monitoring and telematics system, the E-ACTT can communicate maintenance and repair needs to the fleet.

The company anticipates these yard trucks will have lower maintenance costs and significant fuel savings compared to its diesel counterparts.

“Old Dominion is looking into the future of electrification in our fleet and understanding the benefits of a battery-powered switcher,” said Jim Raynor, vice president of equipment and maintenance for Old Dominion Freight Line in a press release.

 Old Dominion Freight Line provides LTL transportation services with over 250 service centers throughout the United States. The freight line’s fleet includes more than 52,000 tractors and trailers for cargo transportation.

“We hope this delivery is the first of many to the company,” said Mark Aubry, president of the terminal tractor division at Autocar.