In an innovative move towards sustainable freight transportation, Volvo Class 8 VNR Electric trucks have been selected to spearhead the pilot ONE Electric Truck Program in Southern California. This initiative, developed by Ocean Network Express (ONE), aims to ease small drayage fleets into the transition towards zero-emission vehicles. Participants are offered a three-month lease of Volvo’s electric trucks at no cost, highlighting a concerted effort to reduce tailpipe emissions in one of the busiest shipping regions in the United States.
BoxLinks, a Volvo Trucks North America customer and member of LX Pantos, has partnered with ONE as a regional collaborator, purchasing two Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric trucks to kickstart the program. This endeavor has been partially funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, underlining the state’s commitment to cleaner transportation solutions.
Managed by BoxLinks, the program will allow small fleets to evaluate the operational viability of electric rigs within their operations before committing to a purchase. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support smaller fleets in understanding and preparing for the transition to zero-emissions vehicles, ultimately aiming to drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.
The Volvo VNR Electric trucks are equipped with a six-battery pack configuration, offering a total battery capacity of 565 kWh. The program includes short-term rentals of electric trucks, encompassing charging, insurance, and vehicle lease agreements, with maintenance covered under the Volvo Gold Contract and handled by Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle Dealer TEC Equipment-La Mirada.
This pilot program is a significant step towards sustainable freight transportation at the Port of Los Angeles, where the Volvo VNR Electric trucks will be deployed. It marks a considerable stride towards reducing emissions and enhancing driver comfort, especially during idle times at no-idle zones within the port. Additionally, the program includes charging solutions at Forum Mobility’s charging depot at the Port of Long Beach, further facilitating the adoption of battery-electric trucks by carriers servicing marine terminals.
