RMI and the Mission Possible Partnership have spotlighted the strategic advantages of installing drayage truck chargers away from congested ports, like those in Los Angeles County, to better support fleets’ transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This approach, aimed at fleets’ bottom line, grid efficiency, and congestion reduction, underscores the critical need for strategic charger placement in anticipation of California’s mandate for electric drayage trucks starting in 2024 and achieving zero emissions by 2035.
The analysis provided a clear vision of truck movements in and out of the Port of Los Angeles, suggesting that charger installations further from ports can offer more operational flexibility and significantly lower grid costs. With the majority of drayage operations within a 25-mile radius not requiring a return to a central depot, the shift towards decentralized charging infrastructure could streamline operations and enhance the economic bottom line for fleets. Furthermore, making chargers accessible to a wider range of vehicles promises mutual benefits for the electrification movement across transportation modes, contributing to the broader goal of reducing emissions and improving air quality in one of the nation’s most polluted areas.
As stakeholders navigate the transition to electrified drayage amidst California’s ambitious Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations, this analysis emerges as a critical tool for directing investments toward impactful, cost-effective projects at the speed required to meet regulatory demands. The strategic dispersion of charging stations not only alleviates port congestion but also serves as a cornerstone for fostering a more sustainable, efficient freight ecosystem.
Credits:
- RMI, “The Case for Placing Drayage Truck Chargers Away from Ports”, RMI Article.
