In an exciting development for sustainable transportation, heavy-duty vehicle producer Autocar has joined forces with the robotic charging innovator Rocsys to bring hands-free EV charging solutions to Autocar’s electric terminal tractors. This dynamic collaboration promises to streamline the charging process for Autocar’s fleet customers, pushing full-scale adoption of effortless charging across commercial vehicle segments.
About Autocar’s Commitment to Tailored, Severe-Duty Trucks
Autocar prides itself as a pioneer in the North American truck industry, standing out with a focus on trucks designed to the precise needs of its clients. Their portfolio is especially notable for featuring the E-ACTT, an all-electric terminal tractor optimized for the demands of rigorous applications and is now set to benefit from Rocsys’ sophisticated hands-free charging technology.
The Integration of Rocsys’ Innovative Charging Technology
Specializing in hands-free charging solutions, Rocsys develops cutting-edge soft robotics, leverages AI for computer vision, and utilizes data analytics to maximize uptime for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across the United States and Europe. Through integrating Rocsys’ technology, Autocar advances its goal to lead in EV adoption among specialty vehicle fleets.
Industry-First Strategic Alliance
Autocar and Rocsys have officially announced their strategic partnership, marking an industry-first endeavor. Their alliance is set to revolutionize how electric terminal tractors at logistical hubs engage with charging infrastructures, ensuring an autonomous and consistent charging process.
Benefits of Hands-Free Charging for Fleet Customers
Andrew Taitz, Chairman of Autocar, underscored the advantages of this hands-free approach, highlighting the seamlessness it brings to EV truck operations. Customers will receive an all-encompassing package featuring ‘always up’ EV trucks paired with automated charging installations. This innovation not only abolishes manual intervention but also propels continuous, efficient charging—boosting both productivity and eco-friendliness within fleets.
Rocsys’ Technology: Enhancing Efficiency and Durability
Expanding on the technical merits, Rocsys co-founder and CEO Crijn Bouman points out that the hands-free chargers mitigate damage to cables and connectors, thus facilitating a much-swift charging process. These chargers use CCS-1 connectors, ensuring harmonious integration with current high-power DC charging infrastructures widely used in the commercial EV domain.
Real-World Application and Pilot Customer Onboard
Adding to the excitement, the partnership has already seen practical application—the companies have secured a pilot order from a major Autocar national account, displaying a strong readiness from industrial clients to adopt these new technologies and advance their logistic efficiencies. While the identity of this client remains confidential, the commitment reflects the industry’s growing trend towards sustainable, advanced EV solutions.
