First battery-powered truck testing for Oakland

The port said that this project will see it take the next step in effort to find out if freight hauling can be diesel exhaust-free on port property.

“We’ll be following this experiment closely,” said Richard Sinkoff, the port’s director of Environmental Programs and Planning. “If battery-powered vehicles can do the job efficiently and affordably, they can help change the way we do business.”

Minimising emissions

California trucking operator, GSC Logistics, introduced the ten-tonne rig earlier this month. It’s currently the only electric truck alongside more than 6,000 diesel-powered vehicles registered at the port.

The US$250,000 big rig represents the latest effort to minimise the environmental impact of containerised trade in Oakland.

If it proves effective, port officials expect motor carriers to acquire additional battery-powered trucks for hauling cargo containers. The port has previously indicated its intention to explore technology that could make diesel-powered cargo handling obsolete.

Meanwhile, GSC Logistics said that its demonstration truck would be used on short-hauls during a three-year trial to shuttle cargo containers between its depot and Oakland marine terminals.

It said it would consider purchasing up to three additional electric trucks if its test proves successful.

The Port of Oakland has reduced diesel emissions 98% in the past decade through its clean truck programmes.

It’s promising to update its Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan this summer with an emphasis on zero-emissions technology.