The drive to electrify drayage fleets continues with a "historic" new $250 million program from Climate United in partnership with California-based Forum Mobility.
Climate United, a national coalition that focuses on expanding Americans' access to the clean energy transition, has announced a new program that offers affordable leasing options for battery electric trucks to small fleets and independent operators - specifically for those in the drayage sector. Affordability has been one of the main reasons why many of these small fleets have been slow to swap diesels for electrified alternatives.
Heavy-duty electric trucks account for less than 1 percent of the total U.S. trucking fleet.
The program is starting with fleets operating out of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles with plans to go nationwide at a later date. Meanwhile, California is requiring drayage fleets operating in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. That's a big order to fill since there's currently an estimated 33,000 drayage trucks in the Golden State alone.
Both ports account for more than 30 percent of all container imports to the U.S. annually.
[Related: CARB policies don't reflect reality, says Port of Oakland operator]
“By helping small fleet owners transition to electric trucks, we can support local businesses while creating cleaner air and better public health for local communities," said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson.
By taking advantage of a $6.97 billion award from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Investment Fund, Climate United is aiming to invest upwards of $250 million, specifically to buy a maximum of 500 class 8 electric trucks. No specific truck OEM(s) were mentioned regarding qualification, though Climate United is currently seeking proposals from manufacturers and will prioritize those whose with domestically made parts and final assembly.
To date, this is the largest single order of electric trucks in the country's history.
“Electric drayage trucks cost less to operate, but high upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric,” said Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United. “Through tax credits, incentives, and attractive financing, we are significantly reducing a cost barrier to sustain small businesses and help them lead the transition to electric vehicles. Investing in an inclusive green economy means supporting and growing small businesses, reducing pollution, improving public health in local communities that have historically borne the brunt of truck pollution, while building supply chains that make America more competitive globally.”
[Related: CARB lacks sufficient EV truck incentives, frustrated operators claim]
At the same time, Forum Mobility is continuing to build out its network of electric truck charging depots in California ports and other popular freight routes. It also offers charging services designed to assist fleets as they transition to zero-emission vehicles. It's also team up with Elemental Impact, a non-profit investor in climate technologies, to provide additional fleet assistance and guidance.
