junejuly2024 - 28

Product Profile
Electric Tow Tractors Modernize
Ground Support Operations
Waev's Tiger Li-Ion unlocks benefits only found in electric vehicles.
BY REBECCA KANABLE
W
ith an increasingly growing focus on
aviation's sustainability, stakeholders
throughout the industry, including
ground service providers, are looking for ways to
reduce their carbon footprint.
The Tiger Lithium-ion (Li-ion) tow tractor assists with
these goals. The Tiger Li-ion is clean for the environment,
low maintenance for technicians and provides safety features
only found in electric vehicles (EVs).
" While the bulk of aviation emissions are from the
aircraft itself, accessibility of sustainable jet fuel is still
decades away. Converting from ICE [internal combustion
engine] to electric GSE [ground support equipment], like
Tiger Li-ion tow tractors, is a step that airports can make
today, " says Gerry Hoadley, director of ground support
equipment at Waev Inc.
" Compared to a single internal combustion tractor that
emits an average of 3,250 kilograms of CO2 annually, an
electric tow tractor emitting zero CO2 will assist with
reducing an airport's overall pollution output and contributing
to the aviation industry's sustainability goals. "
What is the Tiger Li-ion?
Tiger's baggage and cargo tractors have a towing capacity
of up to 60,000 lbs. Hoadley says they can also be utilized
for moving small aircraft within their towing capacity.
" Our vehicles provide the same form factor as popular
tractors on the market, with common parts that simplify
operations and maintenance, " says Hoadley.
The chassis consists of a 100-percent steel body-onframe
with bolt-on components.
" The Li-ion Tiger design offers capabilities, operations
and serviceability that's familiar and proven in the
ground support equipment space, providing a seamless
experience for operators looking to electrify their established
fleets with next-gen tractors. This familiar design
28 || Ground Support Worldwide || June/July 2024
requires little to no specialized operator training and
includes many common GSE parts, simplifying operations
and maintenance, " says Hoadley.
For operator comfort during the workday, ergonomic
bucket seats are standard throughout the Tiger tow tractor
lineup. Hoadley notes Tiger tow tractors offer the most
spacious and operator-friendly cabs on the market.
Optional features include a full cab with doors as well
as a heating and fan system. Additional options include
bumpers, hitches, beacon lights and turn signals.
Sustainability
The Tiger Li-ion can be equipped with a 36kWH or 48kWH
power module and offers flexible charging from an
on-board charger that's compatible with single-phase outlets
to an off-board DC fast charger, according to Hoadley.
The batteries use LiFePO4 technology, which Hoadley
notes is safer, more stable and more reliable than other
lithium chemistries. At the end of their serviceable life
as power modules, the LiFePO4 cells can be utilized for
energy storage in things such as power walls and off-grid
power sources.
Low Maintenance
Hoadley points out another advantage of Li-ion-powered
equipment is it's less costly to operate and maintain.
" Li-ion batteries last significantly longer than flooded
lead-acid or AGM [absorbent glass mat] batteries - contributing
to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). In
addition to the longer battery life, Li-ion vehicles save significant
money and time because there are fewer ongoing
costs due to reduced routine maintenance to the vehicle
or the batteries. Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs don't require
traditional maintenance like oil changes, filter replacement
or coolant flushes. And Li-ion batteries don't require
posts to be cleaned or fluid to be monitored or added,
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAEV
junejuly2024

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