Balqon Corp., a developer of electric drive system technologies for trucks, tractors and buses, introduced a new on-road Class 8 electric tractor, Model MX30, for short haul drayage and inner city applications.

Balqon is showcasing its MX30 tractor at the EVS26 Expo in Las Vegas, the largest electric vehicle show in the world.

"High fuel costs favor higher-efficiency electric vehicle solutions in high idling short-haul applications at locations such as ports, airports and urban centers where both smog and congestion contribute to health risks to local communities," says Balwinder Samra, CEO of Balqon. "The MX30, a heavy-duty electric tractor, is ideal for short-haul container drayage applications at these locations. For example, we believe that the MX30 is an ideal solution for use at ports where air pollution is severe and distances travelled between marine terminals and local rail yards are less than five miles per trip."

The MX30 displayed at the EVS26 Expo is equipped with Balqon's proprietary drive system that is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission assembled on a Freightliner truck chassis. Equipped with standard 600 Volt lithium batteries, the MX30 has the energy to travel up to 150 miles under unloaded conditions on a single charge. The MX30 also features fast charging, which allows the vehicle to be charged in less than three hours, thereby increasing the daily range of the vehicle.

The MX30 can travel at speeds up to 70 mph, tow loads of over 30 tons. MX30 incorporates Balqon drive system with the latest idle-shut off technologies that increase energy conservation during vehicle idling. The new vehicle incorporates Balqon's proprietary battery management system and charging systems.