Tritium completes installation of North America’s first mechanized large-scale port EV charging program at port of long beach

Tritium DCFC (Tritium) a global leader in direct current (DC) fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), announced that the company has completed the installation and operationalization of 33 of its chargers at the SSA Terminals, LLC container terminal at Pier C in the Port of Long Beach in California. The 175kW chargers are equipped with Stäubli mechanized charging connectors to support the terminal’s electric-drive terminal tractors, which are used to transport shipping containers and increase efficiency of the port’s operations. The project is the first large-scale port EV charging program using mechanized charging connectors in North America.

“Tritium’s partnership with SSA Terminals and the Port of Long Beach is a project we are immensely proud of,” said Tritium CEO Jane Hunter. “Autonomous charging is the future for EV depots and we’re excited to be the fast charger manufacturers in operationalizing hands-free charging for the Port of Long Beach. We applaud the State of California and the Port’s commitment to reducing emissions and we look forward to supporting the Port in this important technology transition.”

SSA Terminals, a subsidiary of SSA Marine and a joint venture with Matson Navigation Company, selected Tritium to provide all chargers for the project. Stäubli Electrical Connectors, a global manufacturer of electrical connector solutions, manufactured the fully automated high-power Quick Charging Connector (QCC) systems used for the terminal’s fleet of Tritium chargers. The technology automatically connects Tritium’s chargers to charge ports on each terminal tractor, creating a safe and efficient zero-touch charging system, saving the port time and money.

“SSA Terminals has a long history of driving innovation by testing and deploying new technologies that have the potential to reduce emissions in our operations,” said SSA Terminals Vice President Paul Gagnon. “With their reliability, small footprint, and high-powered charging capabilities, Tritium’s technology was an ideal fit for the Port of Long Beach. We’re grateful for their partnership in this landmark effort.”

The program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

“The Port of Long Beach has a unique opportunity to pivot our operations towards a future that is better for our communities and neighborhoods,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We’re pleased to be using Tritium’s chargers to electrify our fleet and appreciate their partnership in this crucial program.”

The project is funded by the $50 million Port of Long Beach grant obtained from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Zero and Near Zero Emission Freight Facility (ZANZEFF) program.