Goldhofer’s E-Tug Successfully Deployed at Lufthansa LEOS

The battery-electric, towbarless aircraft tug “PHOENIX” E from Goldhofer is successfully in operation at Frankfurt Airport. Following the motto “Environmentally friendly air traffic starts on the ground,” LEOS is continuously expanding its strategy to operate ground handling at the airport sustainably and emissions-free, having acquired its first battery-electric towbarless aircraft tug in December.

(Frankfurt/Main) The “PHOENIX” E is the flagship among Goldhofer’s towbarless aircraft tugs. Due to its performance capabilities, it can even be used for maintenance tows at speeds of up to 25 km/h. Its versatility allows it to handle the entire range of aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 352 t (Boeing B777 / Airbus A350), thus covering approximately 80% of the aircraft traffic. This makes the “PHOENIX” series one of the most sought-after towing vehicles on the market. Goldhofer has succeeded in developing the battery-electric version with the same performance characteristics as its diesel-powered predecessor.

Lower Operating Costs with Reduced Emissions

The emissions-free and thus sustainably operating tug not only offers an identical performance spectrum in terms of pulling power, maneuverability, and reliability compared to the diesel variant, but also lower operating costs and longer maintenance cycles. With its modular battery concept, the “PHOENIX” E has a battery capacity ranging from 66 to 165 kWh, depending on operational requirements. A hybrid solution with a range extender is also available upon request.
During its three-month operational deployment at Lufthansa LEOS, a multitude of operational data has already been generated. Initial insights into the everyday usability of the Goldhofer E-tug have been gained. “Not only the drivers but also the mechanics in the hangar are enthusiastic about this vehicle,” says Peter Unger, Managing Director at LEOS. “The first evaluations show savings that are better than we expected and planned.”

20 Towing Orders Daily Without Loss of Performance

The “PHOENIX” E operates up to 10 hours a day and carries out its up to 20 towing orders without loss of performance. This is made possible by the “IonMaster” technology employed by Goldhofer. A highly efficient and powerful electric drive concept with 700 V lithium-ion battery technology from Akasol. Additionally, the TMS (Thermo Management System) used in the “IonMaster” technology allows for a consistent battery temperature between +15 to +40 degrees, resulting in up to 25% longer range and thus a higher battery lifespan. A dedicated charging infrastructure, developed and set up by ABB, allows for fast and intermediate charging, enabling the vehicles to complete their long workday without loss of performance. “Based on the data we have, we can perform more tows than assumed in the simulations. Our expectations have been more than exceeded, and we plan to acquire another “PHOENIX” E by the end of the year,” Peter Unger informs us.

Photo: © Goldhofer