The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and Daimler Trucks North America today announced the launch of a $31.3 million project to develop and demonstrate 20 electric trucks, seven of which will be deployed at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
The project to create the heavy-duty, battery-electric trucks is expected to begin in December with all 20 trucks scheduled to be operating before April 2019. The project one of the largest zero-emission port truck demonstrations initiated using SCAQMD funds.
“When a major truck manufacturer takes on such an innovative approach to reducing vehicle emissions, the Southland is even closer to achieving cleaner air, especially in environmental justice communities that receive the brunt of air pollution,’’ said William A. Burke, chairman of the SCAQMD. “Demonstration projects such as this are crucial to help implement and reduce costs for commercialized zero-emission technologies.’’
Funding is provided by $15.6 million from Daimler Trucks North America; $13.6 million from the SCAQMD; $2 million from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and $500,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9.
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
