US Climate United to boost electric by offering 500 e-trucks for lease

Climate United, a US-based clean energy coalition with more than $30 billion in capital, has announced its plans to buy up to 500 Class 8 electric trucks for up to $250 million. It intends to lease these vehicles to small transport companies to accelerate electrification for smaller fleets.

More specifically, Climate United plans to expand nationwide by buying 500 electric drayage trucks used over short distances, beginning at Long Beach and Los Angeles ports.

This type of road transport is well suited for electrification, “but high upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric,” said Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United.

Public money to comply with state regulation

California requires all of its drayage trucks to be zero-emissions by 2035. This order of 250 trucks, out of a total of 33,000 drayage vehicles in the state, intends to help small transport operators comply with regulations sooner rather than later.

The money comes from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s National Clean Investment Fund, which has given $6.97 billion to Climate United, nearly half of the $14 billion total program budget. Climate United is also using this money to make homes more energy efficient and install solar installations, among other projects. Most of the money is meant for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Manufacturers and fleet operators are welcome to apply

“Through tax credits, incentives, and attractive financing, we are significantly reducing a cost barrier to sustain small businesses and help them lead the transition to electric vehicles,” continues Beth Bafford.

Climate United has joined forces with California-based Forum Mobility to set up a program to lease these trucks to small fleet operators and build secure electric truck charging depots near the ports and along common freight routes.

The vehicles have not yet been chosen, but Climate United requests manufacturers’ proposals. Priority is given to American-made vehicles, which qualify for incentives as part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Fleet operators can also contact Forum Mobility to get involved with the program.