Maryland-based Climate United announced its intention to spend $250 million to buy 500 electric trucks over three years in what the group calls “the largest single order of Class 8 zero-emission trucks in the country.”
First, we have to state the obvious: as hard as it is to imagine a non-profit organization with $250 million to spend on a fleet of 500 electric trucks – it's even harder to imagine one that would need that many trucks. The plan must be to do something else with trucks.
And so it is. After delivering zero-emission trucks, Climate United aims to lease those vehicles back into trucking fleets at attractive rates, encouraging truckers transporting containers to and from California ports to electrify soon by reducing or eliminating the barrier to BEV adoption. -upfront cost compared to diesel.
“High up-front costs make it difficult for private owners and small airlines to transition to all-electric,” explained Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United.
Climate United says it plans to place first orders in the first quarter of 2025, and is prioritizing Class 8 electric trucks assembled in the United States with domestic components. The announcement specifically cites the makers of the Volvo VNR Electric, Kenworth T680e, and BYD 8TT tandem axle day cab as potential suppliers.
“Climate United's announced RFP is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier future for the communities around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach,” said US Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán. “Families have been suffering for a long time due to diesel pollution from water trucks, they are facing moderate levels of asthma, respiratory diseases and other health challenges. This $250 million commitment will reduce pollution, solve the climate crisis, and improve public health.”
The purchase program is funded by a $6.97 billion grant from the National Clean Investment Fund, which is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created under President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (thanks again, Joe!).
Climate United is also partnering with Forum Mobility, which is building charging depots at California ports and regular freight routes. “For a long time, this has been a chicken-and-egg story,” offers Jacqueline Torres, vice president of Forum Mobility. “This program brings the two together.”
Electrek's Take
There are only so many ways to say, “pollution is bad, EVs are good,” but seeing federal tax dollars going toward innovative ways that make reducing air pollution easier and more affordable for commercial fleet operators is always good news.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Climate United, via Reuters; image presented by the author.
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