- Daimler Trucks reports Surge in Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales: Notably, sales of zero-emission trucks and buses soared to 3,443 units, marking a 277% increase from the previous year (914 units).
Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Stuttgart, Germany – A step towards greener Airports: Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Friday said it handed over a pioneering all-electric refueling vehicle, based on the Mercedes-Benz eEconic model, at Stuttgart Airport.
40.000-liter Refueling
This vehicle, utilized by Skytanking, represents a significant advancement in airport ground handling and environmental sustainability. The company Esterer has equipped it with electrically operated 40.000-liter refueling technology, which draws the energy for driving the pump directly from the vehicle batteries.
Key Features of this eEconic:
- The low-floor electric truck, with a height of under 2.80 meters, is designed to easily pass under an aircraft’s wings, allowing the crew to stay directly beneath the aircraft’s wing tank during refueling.
- The truck features an electric axle with an integrated drive unit and two electric motors providing 330 kW of continuous power. It also recovers energy during braking, which enhances its operational efficiency, especially in stop-and-go conditions.
- The truck’s battery packs can be charged at up to 160 kW, powering both the vehicle and the tank pump, ensuring that a single charge provides sufficient energy for both driving and refueling operations.
Environmental Impact
As a low-floor truck with a total height of less than 2.80 meters, the eEconic can easily maneuver under aircraft wings, facilitating efficient under-wing refueling.This initiative by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Skytanking at Stuttgart Airport is a significant leap towards reducing the environmental impact of airport operations.
Zero-Emission Trucks are in more demand
The adoption of electric vehicles in key operational roles like refueling is a testament to the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability. Daimler Trucks reported earlier Friday, that sales in Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales are rising: Total sales of zero-emission trucks and buses in 2023 soared to 3,443 units, marking a 277% increase from the previous year (914 units).
Impact on Ground Handling Operations
The deployment of the all-electric refueling vehicle is expected to revolutionize ground handling operations at airports. Its eco-friendly design and operational efficiency set a new standard for airport services globally, potentially influencing future developments in airport logistics and environmental responsibility.