EVIAS and Cavotec have signed an exclusive distribution agreement covering EVIAS’ automatic ground-based charging technology for port applications.
Under the agreement, Cavotec will distribute and install the technology globally for the port sector, extending its electrification offering to horizontal transport equipment including terminal tractors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other intra-port container-handling vehicles.
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The system allows electric vehicles to charge while moving or waiting for cargo operations, potentially reducing charging-related downtime and the space required for parked vehicles.
EVIAS uses a vehicle-mounted robotic arm to automatically connect to a conductive charging rail embedded in the road. Only the section of rail directly beneath a charging vehicle is energised, with the system designed to integrate with existing port infrastructure.
The companies said the technology is intended for intensive fleet operations where conventional charging can require vehicles to be taken out of service for extended periods.
The agreement comes as container terminals increase investment in electric cargo-handling equipment as part of wider efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions.
The Zero Emission Port Alliance estimates that between 33,000 and 47,000 new battery-electric container-handling vehicles will be ordered between 2025 and 2035.
David Pagels, CEO of Cavotec, said: “EVIAS’ fully automatic charging technology fits naturally into the demanding operational environments of our port customers and complements our existing electrification and automation portfolio. This partnership enables us to expand our offering into horizontal transport and provide customers with an increasingly integrated approach to port electrification, from vessel and crane applications through to terminal operations.
“Before entering this partnership, we benchmarked various automatic charging solutions available on the market, and EVIAS stood out clearly, both in terms of its value proposition and technical design.”
Cavotec already provides electrification and automation systems for port cranes and vessels, including automated mooring and plug-in systems for rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
Olivier Besson, Co-founder and CEO of EVIAS, stated: “Partnering with Cavotec is more than a distribution agreement – it is a strong validation of the maturity and reliability of our technology. Cavotec’s global presence and more than 50 years of experience give us a unique opportunity to accelerate the global adoption of dynamic charging and to establish it as the new standard for port electrification, far faster than we could have achieved on our own.”