Bedburg, February 2023 – SANY invests a great deal in the research and development of vehicles and machines with alternative drives. In China and Southeast Asia, 100 SANY empty container handlers and 40 SANY reach stackers with electric drives are already in use. Now, SANY is also bringing its electrically powered port machinery to the European market.

On the path to zero emissions
The EU has set the ambitious goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. A key role in achieving this is played by the transport and industrial sectors. In this context, the type of drive plays a major role when purchasing new port machinery. With the use of regenerative electricity, completely emission-free operation becomes possible with fully electrically driven machinery. Jürgen Keller, product manager at SANY Europe, explains: “Many customers are aware they need to change their machinery purchases quickly if they are to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions across their fleet by 2030 and comply with EU requirements for reduced emissions. At customer level, I expect to see more discussions about this in the next 6-12 months.”

Also available in Europe from 2023
The experience that SANY has already gained in practical applications in China and other Asian countries has been permanently integrated into the further development of machinery. In addition to excavators and trucks, electrically driven empty container handlers, reach stackers and terminal tractors are now in everyday use there. Adaptation to European standards and operator habits, combined with successful certification, have given the green light for electric port machinery in Europe. The machinery is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2023.

Charge smart, drive longer
One of the most important hurdles that electrically driven machinery must overcome is the recharging process. It’s clear that operators strive to have as much operating time as possible. This equates to: Smart charging. One approach is opportunity charging, for example, by setting up charging stations in the canteen area. The batteries can be recharged there while the operator takes a coffee break. 10 to 15 minutes of charging are enough to regain sufficient power for the next task. Longer charging is then performed during the lunch break.

Other alternatives for reducing emissions
In addition to its fully electrically driven machinery, SANY also offers a hybrid reach stacker. Its two drive types (combustion engine and simple hydro-pneumatic drive) contribute to a 20% reduction in emissions. Another option is the use of biofuels. All SANY mobile port machinery that is equipped with a Stage V engine can run on biofuels in addition to conventional fuels.

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