Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV Electric Terminal Tractor Enters Commercial Operation in Canada

Kalmar Ottawa — long a leader in diesel-powered terminal tractors for decades — is accelerating its transition to electrification. As global logistics fleets continue seeking ways to reduce operating costs and hedge against diesel price volatility, the company's newly launched battery-electric T2 EV terminal tractor has officially entered commercial service in Canada.

Supported by Transport Canada's Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive Program (iMHZEV), Canadian logistics service provider WTC Group has begun deploying multiple units of the Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV. This model is not a concept vehicle but a production-grade terminal tractor engineered specifically for high-intensity port and logistics hub operations — designed to uphold the legendary T2 diesel version's reputation for durability and operational efficiency.

Brad Gordon, Maintenance Director at WTC Group, stated: "Innovation has always been central to WTC's operations. As customer demand for sustainable logistics solutions continues to grow, investing in electric terminal tractors is both a natural step toward improving operational efficiency and a critical move to strengthen our environmental performance."

According to official specifications, the T2 EV features a continuous-duty permanent-magnet synchronous motor delivering a peak output of 454 kW (approximately 610 hp); its modular lithium-ion battery system offers three capacity options — 105 kWh, 140 kWh, and 210 kWh; and the vehicle's gross combination weight rating (GCWR) reaches up to 88,450 kg (~195,000 lbs), fully meeting heavy-load hauling requirements across mainstream container yards and intermodal terminals.

James Leibold, Kalmar's Zero-Emission Vehicles Sales Manager, emphasized: "The Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV is the result of years of R&D — and our goal is clear: to deliver a top-tier product in the electric segment that matches the legacy of the iconic T2 diesel. Not only did we invent the Hyundai terminal tractor category back in 1943, but we're now committed to defining its electric future."

At present, the exact iMHZEV incentive amount received by WTC Group and the number of units in its initial deployment have not been disclosed.