TREPEL Airport Equipment is making a significant entry into the global airport operator market with a new innovation. The CHARGER 380e, an aircraft tow tractor with an electric drive, is positioned as the most powerful in its class.
“The right product at the right time,” remarked Managing Director Roland Hartwig on Tuesday, 23 July, at the company’s headquarters in Tauberbischofsheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The vehicle not only plays a crucial role in reducing emissions during flight operations.
Developed in 2020, the CHARGER 380 underwent extensive field testing before its market release this year. With production now in full swing, 17 units featuring three different drives have already been sold. Encouraged by positive feedback, TREPEL has increased its sales targets, aiming to sell 30 e-models by 2025, which have garnered the most interest. However, diesel and hybrid versions will still be available. “30 units represent only five percent of TREPEL’s annual production, but the vehicle’s high performance means its value retention is significantly higher,” noted Hartwig.
The CHARGER 380e boasts a 309-kilowatt electric motor, approximately 10 percent more powerful than the leading tug currently on the market. It can tow up to 380 tonnes, lift up to 41 tonnes, and reach speeds of up to 32 km/h, enhancing productivity by accelerating handling.
Speed is also critical during taxiing, as the CHARGER 380e positions aircraft directly at the take-off point, reducing turbine wear and potentially saving up to one tonne of fuel per operation, depending on the aircraft type. This aligns with airport operators’ goals to reduce CO2 emissions throughout their operations.
In terms of configuration, the electric tow tractor falls into the middle of three size classes and is highly flexible thanks to its power and towbarless coupling, making it suitable for aircraft up to the Boeing 777 or Airbus A340-600. The towbarless coupling allows the nose wheel to be enclosed by two arms mounted directly on the tug, reducing labour intensity as personnel are needed only in the aircraft and tractor, not on the airfield.
Safety and ergonomics are also prioritised in the CHARGER 380e. The vehicle cabin offers more space, and the fully swivelling seat ensures the driver maintains an ergonomic posture in all operating modes, eliminating the need for external handling.
The tow tractor has already piqued the interest of airport operators. According to the German Aviation Association’s climate protection portal, German airports had reduced their emissions by around 20 percent by 2019. “But they need to make further reductions to maintain the number of take-offs and landings,” explained Hartwig. Reducing emissions from apron traffic, including aircraft tugs, is a key focus. “A CHARGER 380e contributes doubly to emission reductions. Aircraft spend less time operating on the airfield, and the tugs no longer emit during their missions.”
The demand for all-electric aircraft tractors is rising, with numerous airlines and airport operators announcing conversion programmes, some exceeding 100 units. “We aim to capitalise on this with TREPEL,” announced Hartwig. However, the current power supply at airports remains a challenge, as tugs require more power than the typical 80 volts. Hartwig indicated that 600 to 800 volts would be ideal for new battery systems, necessitating rapid investment in power infrastructure.
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