Germany – Daimler Truck AG has delivered its first aircraft refuelling eEconic (50 tonne) to Skytanking at Stuttgart Airport, helping the airport reach its target of net zero by 2040. In collaboration with Esterer, a German tank body specialist, the 18.5-metre eEconic tractor unit was supplied in combination with a 40,000-litre fuel tank trailer. Since the pump in the tank body also draws its electrical energy directly from the vehicle batteries, a single charging process ensures the energy supply of the vehicle and body. The vehicle combination has a flow volume of 1,500 litres per minute, capable therefore of refuelling most aircraft in under 20 minutes.

The eEconic has an electric axle with an integrated drive unit, as well as two electric motors that generate 330 kW of continuous power. The battery packs can be recharged at a rate of up to 160 kW. When braking, electrical energy is recovered and fed back into the batteries. Electric means lowering noise and heat generation, adding to operational safety, stated Daimler. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with fifth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking assistant and there is also a sensor installed in the side collision protection at the level of the battery packs.