By Karen Robes Meeks
Impact Transportation is the latest business to bring all-electric cargo-handling equipment to the Port of Oakland.
The trucking company has purchased a $275,000 battery-powered twin-axle tractor for its yard operations, the port announced last week. The tractor can operate for 12 hours on an 80-kilowatt-hour battery.
“We’re grateful to Impact Transportation for exploring battery power,” said port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist Catherine Mukai. “The road to zero-emissions will be a long one and we need leaders to take the first step.”
Impact Transportation was able to buy the new tractor in part with a $175,000 state grant.
“We love it so far,” said Impact Transportation President Ron Cancilla. “Considering the grant and the cost to buy and maintain a diesel truck, this seemed to be a no-brainer.”