Volvo Penta, in collaboration with MOL, has introduced a new electric 4×4 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal tractor that is already being used by the European logistics company DFDS. This innovative electric vehicle is designed specifically for the demanding environment of port operations, where heavy payloads must be moved efficiently and reliably in all weather conditions.
The first production models of this electric RoRo tractor began service at a DFDS wet port operation in 2024. The vehicle has been tested rigorously, handling tough tasks such as hitching heavy trailers repeatedly throughout multiple shifts each day. The success of these trials has encouraged DFDS to gradually replace much of its fleet of 280 diesel-powered yard trucks with these new electric models.
Powered by three Volvo Penta battery packs totaling 270 kWh, the tractor features two 200 kW electric motors—one on each axle—and an EPT802 gearbox. Additionally, a separate 50 kW motor drives the hydraulic systems and the fifth wheel, which connects the tractor to trailers. This setup provides high torque and excellent traction, making it suitable for challenging conditions such as wet, slick, or icy surfaces.
The close partnership between MOL and Volvo Trucks and Volvo Penta also ensures that these tractors benefit from advanced charging technologies. They support both Level 2 and DC fast charging through the CCS standard, enabling quick turnaround times during operations. While specific details about integration with Volvo Penta’s digital service platform, Penta Connect, have not been confirmed, the overall support system includes powertrain service, parts availability, and financing options through Volvo’s comprehensive solutions.
The next batch of six electric 4×4 RoRo tractors is scheduled for delivery to a DFDS port in the Netherlands within the current quarter. These vehicles are expected to further demonstrate the benefits of electrification in port logistics by reducing emissions and lowering operating costs while maintaining high performance.
Electric terminal tractors like this one are particularly well-suited for port work due to their low-speed but high-torque operation and frequent short-distance movements. Their electric drivetrains offer quiet operation without vibrations and provide instant power—features that improve working conditions and efficiency in busy port environments.
This development marks a significant step forward in the electrification of industrial and marine equipment by Volvo Penta. As ports worldwide seek cleaner and more sustainable solutions for their heavy-duty vehicles, innovations like the MOL-Volvo Penta electric RoRo tractor set new standards for performance and environmental responsibility.
