Meritor has been contracted all-electric drivetrain systems under its Blue Horizon technology brand for 38 terminal tractors that will be used at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Oakland in California.

The terminal tractors will be equipped with TransPower-designed drive, powertrain controls, accessory and energy storage subsystems along with Meritor axles and brakes which will work in tandem with the TransPower electric powertrain.

The DINA branded battery-electric tractors were designed for use at the port, which can entail up to 16 hour work days, hauling up to 130,000 pounds of cargo. Each tractor is designed for two eight-hour shifts with a one-hour opportunity charge between each shift, followed by overnight charging. The tractors will also feature automated charging technologies to reduce operating costs.

The vehicles will be delivered later this year, with all tractors delivered by October 2020. Meritor and TransPower were awarded the $17.1 million contract with SSA Marine, as part of a larger $50 million grant obtained by the Port of Long Beach through the California Air Resources Board’s Zero and Near Zero Emission Freight Facility (ZANZEFF) program.

Meritor and TransPower will collaborate with SSA Marine to finalize the design of the vehicles.

The project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment.