Southern California’s ports and freight facilities, which contribute to some of the worst air quality in the nation, are steadily replacing legacy diesel trucks with zero-emission vehicles.

The latest project, supported by the California Air Resources Board and San Bernardino Council of Governments, will deploy 27 BYD electric yard and service trucks in disadvantaged communities in San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties.

The project, which includes 23 Class 8 yard trucks and four Class 5 service trucks, is funded in part by California’s cap-and-trade program.

Yard trucks, also known as hostlers, yard mules, or yard goats, are the most commonly-used heavy-duty vehicles for cargo handling.  Spewing diesel fumes 24/7 at ports, railyards, and warehouses that are often located near residential areas, they are prime candidates for electrification.

Three yard trucks and a service truck will operate at Daylight Transport’s facility in the City of Fontana, and the remaining 23 trucks will go into service at two BNSF Railway yards.

“With this project, California is proving to critics that clean air and job creation are not mutually exclusive,” said Stella Li, President of BYD Motors. “BYD is proud of its role in this project as the provider of 27 zero-emission, all-electric trucks that are coming from our manufacturing facility in the City of Lancaster, Los Angeles County. Our electric trucks are safe and reliable, and every purchase of a BYD electric truck in California helps support local job creation.”

Source: BYD