Volvo Trucks North America has completed the delivery of 70 Volvo VNR Electric trucks as part of a $21.5 million programme funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD).
The project, named “SWITCH-ON,” involves deploying the 70 electric trucks to various fleets in Southern California for regional freight distribution and drayage operations.
The programme received up to $19.5 million from the EPA’s Targeted Air Shed Grant Program and an additional $2 million from South Coast AQMD for charging infrastructure. Seven fleets are participating in the SWITCH-ON program, including:
- CEVA
- IMC Logistics
- McLane
- NFI
- Performance Team, a Maersk Company
- Pier Enterprises Group Inc./DBA DC Logistics
- Western Regional Delivery Service/South Coast Transportation & Distribution
Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, commented: “There are challenges on the road to electromobility adoption, but through close collaboration with public entities, utilities, manufacturers and other key industry partners, we can overcome these barriers and achieve our zero-emission goals.”
The trucks will collect performance data in drayage and freight applications through 2025. Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s Executive Officer, commented on the infrastructure challenges: “Through SWITCH-ON, fleets have explored innovative solutions to utilise battery-electric trucks despite infrastructure delays. We are committed to supporting zero-emission technology and improving air quality in our communities while enabling businesses to thrive.”
EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman added: “We at EPA are proud to support this public-private partnership, funding the deployment of these 70 electric trucks.”
The deployed trucks are expected to provide lifetime emission reduction benefits of over 152.63 tons of NOx, 1.317 tonnes of PM2.5, and 53,160 tonnes of co2. Energetics will serve as an independent data analyst for the project, collecting and analysing truck usage data to determine performance and emissions savings.
TEC Equipment – Fontana will provide support for the trucks, including driver training, maintenance, and repairs.
