PORTAGE, Ind. – The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor launched an exciting electric vehicle demonstration program today. This pilot program is unique in its focus. Heavy-duty trucks, yard jockeys and forklifts are now available to port operators, businesses and trucking companies to use as part of real-world port trucking operations.

Featured at the port today were leading Class 8 electric semis from Peterbilt, Nikola and electric yard tractor manufacturer MAFI. New equipment, including a forklift and a variety of heavy-duty electric-powered trucks, will be made available throughout the program for all interested port tenants and trucking companies to demo.

This program is part of the Ports of Indiana’s broader initiatives to achieve a greener, energy-resilient and sustainable port.

“Ports are all about transportation and logistical connections,” said Andrea Hermer, Ports of Indiana’s chief operating officer.  “We are looking at electricity and other sources of energy in the same way – critical connections to port operations and the future.”

The Ports of Indiana is collaborating with Current Trucking, who along with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), has provided the vehicles, chargers and operational support during the pilot. NIPSCO is supplying power to support industrial-grade DC fast chargers at the port.

“We are showcasing the best available heavy-haul electrification technology from the industry’s leading manufacturers,” said Pip Decker, Current Trucking founder and project team member. “We hope to demonstrate to operators how emobility adoption reduces total operating costs.”

Hermer agrees. “Connecting best available technology with port users is key to gaining their confidence in implementing electric-power into their trucking operations,” said Hermer. “Having port businesses participate in the program, including Bulk Equipment Corp., is essential for a successful program and ultimate adoption at the port.”

For more information about the program or to sign up a business to demo a heavy-duty electric vehicle, contact port director Ryan McCoy at rmccoy@portsofindiana.com.

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About the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor: The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor opened in 1970 and is operated by Ports of Indiana, a statewide port authority managing three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system.

Information: portsofindiana.com. Follow us on Twitter: @PortsofIndiana.
Media Contact: Jen Hanson, jhanson@portsofindiana.com

About Current Trucking: Current Trucking focuses on deploying the best available electric vehicles in the Class 3–7 segment, while maintaining a first mover advantage in the Class 8 eTractor space.  Current Trucking provides a full solution offering to encourage electrical adoption, inclusive of EV truck procurement, construction, charging and O&M for any tire tread under a Trucks as a Service (“TaaS”) model. More information can be found at www.TrucksAsAService.com