In an ambitious stride towards environmental sustainability and innovation in the logistics sector, NFI Industries, in collaboration with leading truck manufacturers and infrastructure providers, has embarked on a transformative journey to deploy a fleet of 100 Class 8 battery-electric trucks (BETs) in Southern California. This initiative, part of the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI), represents a significant leap forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the electrification of the freight and logistics industry.
NFI, a pioneer in supply chain solutions, has closely worked with Volvo Trucks and Daimler Truck North America to integrate battery-electric Class 8 trucks into its Southern California drayage operations. The initial phase includes deploying 30 electric Freightliner eCascadias and 20 Volvo VNR Electric trucks, funded through JETSI, highlighting a collaborative effort to demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of electric truck fleets in real-world applications.
To support its growing battery-electric fleet, NFI is undertaking the nation’s largest charging infrastructure project, in partnership with Electrify America. This project includes the installation of 34 ultra-fast DC chargers by December 2023, ensuring the fleet’s operational efficiency and sustainability. This infrastructure will not only power NFI’s BET fleet but also set a benchmark for the industry’s shift towards zero-emission transportation solutions.
The initiative is bolstered by significant financial commitments from the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, along with contributions from 20 project partners. Together, these efforts underscore the collective push toward reducing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors. The deployment of these electric trucks and the corresponding charging infrastructure is expected to result in the reduction of five tons of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter annually, alongside eliminating 8,247 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
NFI’s leadership in truck electrification extends beyond vehicle deployment. The company has engaged in extensive route optimization studies to determine the most efficient use of electric trucks, taking into account factors such as stops, topography, and traffic patterns. Additionally, NFI’s partnership with Volvo Trucks North America and Daimler Truck North America has been instrumental in customizing the trucks to meet operational needs and in training drivers to maximize the benefits of regenerative braking and battery power.
This electrification project is not only a significant step towards cleaner air and a reduction in carbon footprint for Southern California but also a pivotal move in the logistics and transportation industry’s evolution. By leading the charge in the adoption of electric trucks and the necessary charging infrastructure, NFI is paving the way for a sustainable future in freight logistics, demonstrating the viability and benefits of transitioning to zero-emission vehicle fleets on a large scale.
As this initiative unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for other companies and regions aiming to reduce their environmental impact through innovative transportation solutions, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious logistics industry.
