Drayage trucks, which move freight around inside and between port facilities, are a major source of air pollution, and an excellent candidate for electrification. The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have been testing various electrified options for several years.

Now the state of California has awarded $23.6 million to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for a statewide drayage truck development and demonstration project that will involve BYD, Kenworth, Peterbilt and Volvo.

The project will demonstrate 43 Class 8 trucks in three “zero-emission-capable” propulsion configurations. BYD, Peterbilt and California start-up TransPower will collaborate to develop a battery-electric truck. Volvo will deploy a plug-in hybrid diesel truck under the Mack brand. Peterbilt, Kenworth and BAE Systems will work together on a natural gas plug-in hybrid truck.

“This project will help put the very cleanest short-haul trucks to work where they are needed most, moving cargo from the state’s biggest ports to distribution centers and rail yards,” said ARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “This is good news – and cleaner air – for all Californians, but especially those who live in neighborhoods next to these industrial facilities or along some of our state’s busiest trade corridors.”

Source: ARB