The ‘BC203EV’ is the successor to the ‘BC202EV’ and Terberg’s latest battery-powered body carrier for intralogistics in distribution centres.

Terberg says that, compared to its predecessor, the YT223CC boasts a redesigned cabin offering improved ergonomics and functionality.

The vehicle shown was a 26-tonne ‘E-Tech D Wide’ 6x2 chassis with inward folding "bus-style" doors and low step height.

Later this year, the vehicles will be deployed at the Kramer City Terminal; the following year, they will begin operating on the Maasvlakte Container Exchange Route as well.

With Fernride’s technology, drivers will be able to “teleoperate” the tractors – that is to say, they will be able to drive them remotely – and take advantage of assistance systems that Terberg and Fernride will “gradually” develop in order to make the vehicles more and more autonomous.

Terberg will be expanding its Low Volume Assembly hall to increase production of its other vehicle lines, including industrial tractors, container carriers and aircraft loaders.

The YT200EV terminal tractor features 350 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries that provide up to 10 hours of operation and can be fully charged within an hour.

A JV called Terberg Tractors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TTM) of Puchong, Selangor, is testing an autonomous terminal tractor in a container terminal in Johor this month, using artificial intelligence (AI) and software supplied by Aidrivers Ltd of Uxbridge, UK.

The aircraft loader, which is being piloted by IAG Cargo, is based on the YT series of terminal tractors designed for port and yard operations, with the engine replaced by a battery-electric driveline.

The Terberg Business Lease Group, a joint venture formed in mid-2019 between Terberg and mobility services company AutoBinck Group, is being sold to Arval, an automotive leasing firm and division of international banking group BNP Paribas.

The proposed joint venture with the Taylor Group of Companies will build a manufacturing facility in Lowndes County, Mississippi and establish a distribution network for selling, leasing and servicing Terberg terminal tractors.

The two companies intend to collaborate long term on the integration of Aidrivers’ autonomous driving technology in Terberg’s terminal tractors, targeting the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.