Climate United Trucks Brings Affordable Power To Fleets

New Climate United Program Helps Small Fleets Lease Electric Trucks

Climate United has launched a program to help small truck fleets and owner-operators lease electric trucks. This effort starts at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and aims to reduce both costs and pollution. With $6.97 billion from the EPA’s National Clean Investment Fund, Climate United plans to spend $250 million to buy 500 electric trucks, which will make this the largest electric truck order in U.S. history. Climate United hopes to expand the program across the country.

Making Electric Trucks Affordable

Electric trucks save money over time, but they are expensive to buy. Climate United CEO Beth Bafford said the program will help make these trucks affordable for small fleets. “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,” she explained. By lowering costs, the program aims to make electric trucks an option for more small business owners and to cut pollution.

Climate United Partnering with Forum Mobility

Climate United has teamed up with Forum Mobility, a company that builds electric truck charging stations. Forum Mobility is setting up a network of charging depots at ports and along major routes. These stations make it easier for small fleets to charge their trucks without needing to set up their own chargers. Forum Mobility’s CEO Matt LeDucq highlighted the focus on helping smaller fleets: “Eighty percent of California’s drayage registry is comprised of small fleets, and it’s our job to make sure the transition to zero-emissions leaves no one behind.”

Forum Mobility is also working with the non-profit Elemental Impact, which offers extra help with community engagement and policy support. By working together, the three organizations aim to make sure small fleets stay on track with California’s goal for all port trucks to be zero-emission by 2035.

Cleaner Air for Port Communities

The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles handle over 30% of U.S. imports. Diesel trucks in these ports produce pollution that affects local communities. The new program will help reduce this by lowering emissions by an estimated 50,000 tons of CO2 each year. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted that the program will bring cleaner air to communities near the ports. “By helping small fleet owners transition to electric trucks, we can support local businesses while creating cleaner air and better public health for local communities,” he said.

Climate United Showing Support to U.S. Jobs and Manufacturing

The program will also support U.S. manufacturing by encouraging truck production with U.S.-made parts. Climate United has invited manufacturers to provide up to 500 electric trucks, and the program could create green jobs in the U.S. The Harbor Trucking Association (HTA) expressed support for the program. HTA’s CEO Matt Schrap noted the importance of pairing trucks with charging stations to make zero-emission trucking easier. “HTA appreciates innovative solutions that can help support fleets in this push for zero-emission,” he said.

Health Benefits for Port Communities

People who live near ports suffer from high rates of asthma and other health issues because of diesel pollution. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán praised the program for its focus on public health, stating, “This $250 million commitment will reduce pollution, address the climate crisis, and improve public health.” This program should make a big difference by cutting pollution and creating a healthier environment.

What’s Next?

Climate United and Forum Mobility’s new program could make electric trucks available for small fleets across the U.S. Small fleet operators who are interested can contact Forum Mobility to learn more, and manufacturers can apply at ClimateUnited.org. As the program expands, it could make electric trucks a common part of the trucking industry in the U.S.