The Autocar E-ACTT™ is an electric terminal tractor, also known as a yard spotter or shunt truck, designed for moving semi-trailers within a cargo yard, warehouse, or intermodal facility. This service manual, specifically a "First Responder Guide" for 2022, provides critical information for emergency personnel who may encounter an E-ACTT™ in an accident or emergency situation.
Function Description:
The Autocar E-ACTT™ serves as a specialized vehicle for short-distance, high-frequency trailer movements. Unlike traditional over-the-road semi-trucks, terminal tractors are optimized for maneuverability, quick coupling and uncoupling of trailers, and frequent stop-and-go operations within confined spaces. As an electric vehicle (EV), the E-ACTT™ offers zero tailpipe emissions, reduced noise, and potentially lower operating costs compared to its diesel counterparts. Its primary function is to efficiently organize and transport trailers, improving logistics and operational flow in various industrial settings.
Important Technical Specifications (Derived from the manual's safety and identification sections):
- Electric Powertrain: The E-ACTT™ is an electric vehicle, meaning it operates without a traditional internal combustion engine, fuel tank, or exhaust/muffler system.
- High Voltage (HV) System: The vehicle incorporates a high-voltage battery system, which is the primary power source for propulsion. Components of this system, including the HV batteries, motor, inverter, PDU (Power Distribution Unit), BMS (Battery Management System), and associated cabling, are energized and present significant electrical hazards.
- Battery Type: The HV batteries are explicitly identified as Lithium-ion batteries.
- Battery Location: Large rectangular battery boxes are located on each side of the frame behind the cab.
- Voltage Levels: The manual refers to both high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) systems. A 12V battery is also present, and a 24V power disconnect is mentioned, suggesting a multi-voltage electrical architecture.
- High Voltage Cabling: High voltage cables are typically orange, serving as a visual indicator of electrical hazard.
- Vehicle Identification:
- Absence of a fuel tank.
- Absence of an exhaust/muffler system.
- Unique warning labels (e.g., "HIGH VOLTAGE AUTHORIZED PERSONS ONLY").
- An "N" in the seventh position of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Large rectangular battery boxes on each side of the frame behind the cab.
- Towing Specifications (for 11R22.5 Tire Size):
- Forward Direction:
- Final Drive Ratio 6.14: Max Towing Speed 30 mph
- Final Drive Ratio 7.17: Max Towing Speed 25 mph
- Final Drive Ratio 10.62: Max Towing Speed 15 mph
- Reverse Direction:
- Final Drive Ratio 6.14: Max Towing Speed 5 mph
- Final Drive Ratio 7.17: Max Towing Speed 4 mph
- Final Drive Ratio 10.62: Max Towing Speed 3 mph
- Fire Extinguishment: For a lithium-ion battery fire, 5,000 gallons or more of water may be required for full extinguishment. CO2 or ABC dry chemical extinguishers are recommended for small battery fires (battery only, not in vehicle).
Usage Features (from a first responder perspective):
- Emergency Response Procedures: The manual outlines critical steps for first responders in an emergency, including immobilizing the vehicle (block wheels, set parking brake, place in NEUTRAL), and disabling the high voltage system.
- High Voltage Disconnect: The primary method to disable the vehicle's HV system involves turning the ignition switch to OFF, removing the key, securing away from the vehicle, and turning the LV battery cutoff switch to the OFF position and lockout. This procedure does NOT discharge the HV batteries, which remain energized.
- LV Battery Disconnect: To remove LV battery cover, access battery terminals/circuit breakers. The battery cover is held by four wing nuts. The procedure involves loosening inner and outer wing nuts to remove the cover. After removing the cover, the red button on the circuit breaker must be pushed to disconnect 24V power. If terminals are inaccessible, three specific 12V cables can be cut to disconnect 12V power.
- Charging Awareness: If the vehicle is charging, the ignition switch should be turned OFF, and the vehicle disconnected from the charging station, as some HV components are active during charging.
- Fire Response: Specific guidelines are provided for vehicle fires, emphasizing the need for large amounts of water for lithium-ion battery fires, the potential for delayed ignition/re-ignition, and the toxicity of combustion byproducts. First responders are advised to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
- Electrical Shock Rescue: Procedures for rescuing a victim of electrical shock are detailed, including wearing protective equipment, standing on insulating material, identifying and disconnecting the energy source, and using a Safety Rescue Hook.
- Water Submersion: In case of submersion, water intrusion can damage electrical components regardless of system voltage. Contact with submerged EVs or water surrounding them without proper PPE is prohibited due to electrocution risk.
- Towing and Storage: The preferred towing method involves towing with the rear wheels suspended or, if not possible, removing the driveshaft. Damaged EVs should be isolated outdoors, at least 50 ft (15 m) from combustibles and structures, with windows and doors open to prevent gas accumulation. HV batteries should be removed and stored away from combustible materials if possible.
Maintenance Features (from a first responder perspective, focusing on safety):
- Safety Definitions: The manual clearly defines DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE indicators used throughout, which are crucial for understanding the severity of potential hazards during any interaction with the vehicle.
- PPE Requirements: Emphasizes the use of correct PPE (e.g., HV PPE, safety glasses, electrical insulated gloves with leather gloves, face shield, apron, SCBA) when dealing with high voltage components, fires, or potential electrical shocks.
- High Voltage Awareness: Constant vigilance regarding high voltage is stressed, with instructions to always assume HV batteries and components are energized and fully charged.
- Component Identification: Provides diagrams (Figures 3, 4, 5) to help identify high voltage components and cables, which are typically colored orange.
- Discharge Time: A critical warning states that after shutting down the high voltage system, one must wait at least fifteen minutes for the complete discharge of high voltage capacitors before proceeding.
- Prohibition of Penetration: First responders are explicitly warned never to attempt to penetrate the HV battery or its casing to apply water during a fire.
- No Internal Combustion Engine Noise: A specific warning highlights that the vehicle does not have an internal combustion engine, so the lack of engine noise does not mean the vehicle is OFF. This is a crucial distinction for first responders accustomed to traditional vehicles.
This guide is intended to equip first responders with the necessary knowledge to safely manage incidents involving the Autocar E-ACTT™ electric terminal tractor, prioritizing safety for both personnel and the environment.
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