Shire Launches TT22e-DC Double-Cab Electric Tow Tractor That Tows Equipment and Carries Up to Five Crew
Why It MattersMerging crew transport and towing into one electric vehicle points to ground handlers trimming apron fleet size and diesel use, with connected fleet data becoming a standard expectation for new GSE.
Belgian ground support equipment manufacturer Shire has introduced the TT22e-DC, a double-cab electric tow tractor designed to combine equipment towing and personnel transport in a single vehicle. It seats up to five people in a forward-facing cabin and has a maximum towing capacity of 25 tonnes. It can tow baggage trailers, ground power units and mobile aircraft stairs while carrying ground handling, cleaning or technical personnel between aircraft stands.
Six TT22e-DC units have been delivered to GSE provider TCR and are operating with ground handler Alyzia at Brussels Airport. The vehicle uses an 80V lithium-ion battery system and a 25-kW electric drivetrain, with a maximum travel speed of 25 km/h. Its purpose-built electric design is intended to reduce maintenance requirements and improve fleet efficiency.
It also incorporates Shire's CentralHub connectivity platform, which provides remote diagnostics, equipment monitoring and fleet performance data, supports remote software updates, and lets operators monitor vehicle utilization and technical condition. By combining crew transport and towing, the tractor is designed to reduce the number of separate vehicles needed for ground operations, potentially simplifying fleet management and reducing apron congestion. The TT22e-DC joins Shire's existing range of electric baggage and cargo tractors, which includes the TT22e, TT30e and TT40e.
