The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has issued an information request to assist in creating one of the largest US networks of publicly accessible electric-charging stations for the heavy-duty, Class 8 drayage trucks that serve the port complex.
The request asks for information on potential interest to install 100 chargers at up to four pre-identified sites, with the port seeking the submittal of Information Packages by vendors and suppliers of electric-charging infrastructure.
Responses are due by 29 March, according to a statement.
“This Request for Information (RFI) specifically seeks information on design concepts, business models, operational plans, barriers, and high-level costs associated with publicly accessible electric-charging infrastructure for heavy-duty Class 8 drayage trucks at four pre-identified sites in the Port complex,” stated POLB.
Transitioning the drayage truck fleet serving the San Pedro Bay ports to zero emissions by 2035 is a central target of the Clean Air Action Plan Update (CAAP), and providing at least 100 charging stations by 2028 supports the CAAP zero-emissions goal for drayage trucks.
The CAAP is a comprehensive strategy for accelerating progress toward a zero-emission future while protecting and strengthening the San Pedro Bay Port’s competitive position in the global economy.
“It’s important for us to nurture the market for electric trucks if we are to meet the zero-emissions trucks goal,” said Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero, who went on to add that the port will also provide an overnight charging option for independent owner-operators who may not be able to charge their vehicles at home.
In addition, Long Beach Harbor commission president Steven Neal noted that the port’s environmental programmes and initiatives have already cut diesel emissions from trucks by as much as 97%. “Initiatives like this are steps along the way to our ambitious zero-emissions goal,” he pointed out.
The first two public charging stations for heavy-duty trucks in Southern California have been installed at the Terminal Access Center on Harbor Avenue and are expected to be available for drayage truck recharging later this month.
