The Biden administration has launched a comprehensive 16-year National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, targeting 12,000 miles of freight-heavy interstates and the country’s largest container ports to deploy battery-charging and hydrogen-refueling stations for electric trucks. Unveiled by the U.S. Department of Energy and Transportation along with the Environmental Protection Agency, this four-phase plan begins with local and regional trucking operations, including first- and last-mile delivery and port drayage, with a vision to eventually support long-haul trucking.
A significant part of this strategy, outlined in a 300-page document, is to provide a pathway that aligns with current freight truck and technology markets, aiming for decarbonization by mobilizing actions towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This aligns with the administration’s goals of promoting at least 30% zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030, escalating to 100% by 2040.
Phase 1 of the strategy focuses on establishing priority hubs based on freight volumes, notably around major container ports such as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, aiming to create a network that supports zero-emission vehicles within a 100-mile transport radius. Subsequent phases will expand these efforts, connecting hubs along critical freight corridors, and eventually linking regional corridors to achieve full access to a national network by 2040.
This initiative marks a pivotal step towards reducing the 23% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to medium- and heavy-duty trucks within the U.S. transportation sector. By fostering the growth of a national EV charging network and encouraging clean commerce within the freight community, the strategy supports the broader vision of a sustainable and emission-free transportation infrastructure.
Credits:
- Yahoo Finance, “Biden administration rolls out power grid plan for electric trucks”, Yahoo Finance Article.
