Environmental Defense Fund released the Fleet Electrification Solutions Center on October 3, 2022, a free online resource that cuts through the complexity of truck electrification to connect fleet professionals with the solutions they need, all in one easy-to-navigate clearinghouse.

“We are at a critical juncture in the climate crisis, and fleet electrification is a feasible solution that can begin to address this historic challenge while also reducing harmful pollution from diesel trucks in communities across America,” said Lindsay Shigetomi, Manager, Fleet Electrification at Environmental Defense Fund. “EDF is launching the Fleet Electrification Solution Center because we want to make sure fleet decision-makers have all the tools they need to electrify their fleets – right at their fingertips. With the Solutions Center, we are making the electrification journey more manageable and easier to navigate.”                                                                         

Over 30 million trucks on U.S. roads generate 7% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions — more than aviation, maritime shipping, and rail combined. Yet zero-emission trucks still only account for a small fraction of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (such as freight trucks, semis, buses, garbage trucks and delivery vehicles). EDF worked with leading experts, industry professionals and current fleet leaders to identify barriers to fleet electrification and create a tool to overcome these barriers.

Designed to meet fleets wherever they are in their electrification journey, the FESC is organized into five phases, with each phase capturing best practices from fleets on the forefront of truck electrification. Fleets can follow the step-by-step process to develop a project management strategy; identify the appropriate charging equipment and work with utilities on an installation timeframe; define which vehicles are best for each application and launch new vehicle deployments, and much more. Users can create an account to track their progress, or simply search the extensive resource library for reports or case studies aimed at accelerating the electrification journey. 

"Running electric trucks takes diligent planning and skilled problem-solving,” said Taki Darakos, Vice President, Vehicle Maintenance and Fleet Services at Pitt Ohio. “The Solutions Center can help fleets navigate the complexities of fleet electrification. There is no other resource that distills as much information in such an accessible and comprehensive format.”

Medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks are the largest contributors to ozone-forming nitrogen oxides in the transportation sector, despite making up only 4% of vehicles on U.S. roads. Smog-forming NOx and other fine particulate pollution from trucks has been linked to adverse health impacts in everyone from infants to the elderly, particularly in overburdened communities that live near major transit hubs and corridors.    

“Zero-emission vehicles are here, and in many cases are capable of doing the job of their diesel counterparts while cutting down on harmful emissions, reducing operational expenses for fleets and advancing environmental justice,” Jessie Lund said, lead project manager at CALSTART.

“While other resources exist, many are inaccessible, and none are as comprehensive as the Solutions Center. This tool will help fleets, large and small, navigate everything from planning to implementation by providing a clear, easy-to-follow map on the road to electrification.”

The launch of the FESC comes at a pivotal moment in the electric truck transformation.

In August, President Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a multibillion-dollar investment in zero-emission trucks. Once these tax incentives are implemented, the purchase price for a wide range of zero-emission trucks will reach parity with diesel alternatives by as early as 2023, according to a recent EDF analysis. While policy supports make trucks more affordable, an ever-expanding number of vehicle models are available today and hundreds of fleets are already deploying EVs. 

“There has never been a better time for fleets to take the next step on their electrification journey,” Mike Roeth said, Executive Director for the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

“There are high-quality, affordable zero-emission vans, trucks, and heavy-duty tractors on the market today, and costs and efficiency are only going to keep improving. The Solutions Center will make it easier for fleets to navigate barriers to entry by bringing together the best tools and information in the industry in one place.”