eTug’s motto is: 'Just say no to gas'

Gig Harbor businessman introduces the eTug

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Most people who have flown on commercial airlines have gazed out the window at the activity on the tarmac.

Little carts bustle about like ants, bringing food and passengers’ luggage to be loaded onto the airplane. These vehicles, called tugs, are usually powered by gasoline.

Neil Bennett would like to change that.

Bennett is the owner of eTug, LLC, and he’s the brainchild behind an electric tow tractor that can be used not only by airlines but for other purposes as well.

His motto is: “Just say no to gas.”

“It’s a changing market because oil continues to jump to over $100 a barrel,” he said. “In the airline industry, they’re using 35,000 gallons of gas and diesel fuel a year for these things. I want to be environmentally conscious and replace these things with non-gasoline-powered vehicles.”

Bennett credits the name of the tug to his wife, Lizabeth.

“She’s very clever about these things,” he said. “In marketing, it is important to have a clever name for your products.”

Bennett’s eTugs are currently being used by several airlines, including Allegiant Airlines, a carrier out of Bellingham.

“There are a few airlines that really care about the environment,” Bennett said. “But the bottom line is usually money. They could save so much money by switching to the eTug. The gas trailers cost about $45 a day to use. The eTug costs about $3 a day.”

The most innovative thing about Bennett’s design is that it can be charged with a 110-volt electric outlet.

“This is really revolutionary and new,” he said. “Other electric tugs require special outlets and approval from the city to use them. With the eTug, you can just plug it in and go.”

Originally from England, Bennett runs his business from an office in Gig Harbor. He has been involved in the aviation industry since his youth because his father was in the Royal Air Force.

Bennett worked as a ramp agent and in other aspects and operations in the airline industry.

He eventually started his own business renting, selling, buying and refurbishing baggage carts and other ground equipment.

Bennett decided to design and manufacture his own electric trailer about a year ago. He said the eTug could have many other uses for industries other than airlines due to its versatility and capacity to tow up to 20,000 pounds.

“This is the Swiss army knife of utility vehicles,” he said. “It’s so versatile. You could put a scissor lift on it and change light bulbs. You could use this to pull boats out of the water. It could be used in sporting events, conventions, amusement parks or events like the Puyallup Fair. We’re a small enough company where we could re-design this for client requirements.”

Bennett said he wants to get some outside-source funding for the company, and he said he has received some positive inquiries.

“The airlines could save huge amounts of money and be environmentally friendly at the same time,” he said. “I think this is going to do well.”

The eTug

Call: 253-853-1793

On the Web: Visit www.etugllc.com for information and to view an interactive video.

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.