The Port of San Diego has taken a significant step towards sustainability by putting the first commercially available, large-capacity electric forklift made in the US into service. This move marks the beginning of a broader initiative by the port to deploy six net-zero pieces of construction equipment over the next 12 to 18 months.
Leading this green transition at the Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal is the Wiggins Yard eBull battery electric forklift, boasting an impressive 55,000-pound capacity. This net-zero machine stands out as one of the largest electric forklifts in the US, capable of lifting up to 25 metric tons.
Equipped with over 100 kWh of onboard energy storage, the eBull can support eight-hour shifts with Level 2 charging or double shifts with DC fast charging. While the port has completed the initial installation of the electrical infrastructure required to support the electric forklift, details regarding the specific charging system—Level 2 or DC fast charging—have not been disclosed yet.
“SSA Marine is proud to partner with the Port of San Diego to demonstrate the potential of zero-emissions equipment in a marine terminal environment and to further understand what the long-term benefits could look like,” said Bill Fitz, senior vice president of SSA Marine’s conventional division.
The investment in the electric forklift was made possible through support from California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher program, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering the adoption of cleaner technologies in industrial settings.
As the Port of San Diego leads the way in integrating sustainable practices into its operations, the deployment of the Wiggins Yard eBull electric forklift sets a precedent for the future of eco-friendly construction equipment in the US.
