Climate United commences battery electric truck lease programme
Having been granted a $6.97 billion award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Investment Fund, Climate United intends to utilize $250 million to make the largest single order of electric trucks in U.S. history and buy 500 class 8 electric trucks. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán explains the purpose of this purchase: “This $250 million commitment will reduce pollution, address the climate crisis, and improve public health. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this federal investment will help local businesses transition their fleets to meet the 2035 goal of 100% zero-emission trucking in the San Pedro Bay Ports Complex.”
According to reports, Climate United will set up an affordable leasing programme with the 500 class 8 heavy duty battery electric trucks to small fleets and independent operators at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. It is said that 30% of all container imports to the United States, and pollutants from diesel drayage trucks pose a health hazard for nearby port communities that come from the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. This new programme is initiated to mitigate these environmental problems by deploying zero-emission, heavy-duty vehicles in the communities. It is also said that it will accelerate the growth of electric truck manufacturing and battery technology innovation.
To kickstart the leasing programme, the Climate United Fund has asked qualified manufacturers to deliver up to 500 electric drayage trucks. In the press release from Climate United, the initiators write that interested fleet operators can contact Forum Mobility.
“Electric drayage trucks cost less to operate, 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. “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. Investing in an inclusive green economy means supporting and growing small businesses, reducing pollution, improving public health in local communities that have historically borne the brunt of truck pollution while building supply chains that make America more competitive globally.”
Author: Abdulwaliy Oyekunle
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