The MSRC and South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) are partnering on an exciting new project to bring 100 new electric trucks and charging infrastructure to Southern California. The “Strategic Pathways for Extended Electric Drayage” (SPEED) Project will deploy 90 Volvo Class 8 battery electric trucks and chargers to the South Coast region (10 electric trucks will be located within the San Diego Air Pollution Control District), as well as develop and demonstrate high-power truck charging.
The MSRC will provide $2 million in Clean Transportation Funding to co-fund up to 90 of the electric trucks that will operate in the South Coast. These vehicles are anticipated to be based in Lynwood, Vernon, Compton, Long Beach, Wilmington, Rialto, Fullerton, and Jurupa Valley.
The MSRC’s funding will be leveraged with approximately $85.9 million in funding from multiple project partners, including the South Coast AQMD, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, Volvo Trucks, WattEV, and participating fleets. The MSRC’s funding will help buy down the cost of the trucks by up to $22,000 per vehicle.
As part of the SPEED project, Volvo has committed to develop and demonstrate a high-power (750 kW) charging-capable
truck and will collect data that could be used to commercialize the truck in the future. The truck will be pilot tested in cross-regional transportation between Southern California and surrounding areas. Other project components will include a truck battery recycling demonstration, workforce training, and public outreach.
These new electric trucks could be on the road by the end of next year (see photo of Volvo e-truck model).