Amazon unveiled Tuesday its first fleet of Volvo electric trucks, which will be used to get cargo at the country's busiest container seaport in Southern California.
Amazon Plans to Deploy Nearly 50 Electric Seaport Trucks
According to Reuters, this is the first of a dozen electric big rigs deployed for cargo pickup operations. The company plans to deploy nearly 50 electric trucks this year as it extends its vehicle electrification efforts from seaports to homes and businesses.
Amazon is already operating eight electric semi-trucks at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex, aligning with the state law that all drayage trucks should be zero-emissions by 2035. California has already banned new diesel trucks from seaports.
These initiatives are crucial for Amazon's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The adoption of electric trucks presents unique challenges due to battery charging.
Amazon Shifts to Electric Semi-Trucks
Amazon has deployed over 13,500 Rivian electric cargo delivery vans nationwide since 2022. However, the shift to electric semi trucks will significantly help the company because they haul heavier cargo and have batteries that require shorter charging time.
According to Amazon, these trucks, when combined, are expected to travel more than one million miles each year with zero tailpipe emissions.
Volvo Trucks North America, the manufacturer of Amazon's electric drayage trucks, will maintain its collaboration with Amazon and JAB Hunt, the provider of drivers for the rigs, during the deployment period.
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