The electric truck project and its logistics partners announced they launched a battery-electric truck demonstration project this month. The Port debuted ten new BEV Peterbilt trucks to haul cargo in a West Coast state.

Electric Truck Project

Moreover, the new zero-emission trucks operate at Shippers Transport Express (STE), in a California trucking operation. It is a third project partner. Moreover, the Peterbilt trucks cost a total of $5.1 million. This funding comes from a ZANZEFF grant (Zero And Near-Zero-Emission Freight Facility program).

Electric Charging Stations

California has also invested $1.7 million to install ten electric charging stations at STE. Moreover, built a new electrical substation. Technology is really on it’s way up. Also, a power line extension to connect to the charging stations.

Cleaner-Running, Quieter Trucks

“In fact, getting these cleaner-running and quieter trucks into service is really a significant step in testing the feasibility of battery-electric trucks moving containers,” said California Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. Moreover, in addition, the port is working towards its Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan to become a zero-emissions seaport.

This demonstration project will take roughly three months. Next, the data collected will include the emissions reductions measurements. Thus, the trucks will also be monitoring for how effectively they going to operate. That is when they haul the fully loaded containers.

Ten Electric Truck Additions

Then 10 trucks are going to join another 17 battery-electric trucks currently in operation in California. However, these drayage trucks are, in fact, limited to short distances and lighter cargo loads. That is because of the range involved and the highway weight limitations, the port informs.

In fact, the new project also relates to an earlier initiative when the Ports secured funds from the California Air Resources Board. Then they, in fact, partnered with the technology companies to demonstrate technology targeting reducing emissions in an industrial setting.