Port of Oakland granted $10.5 million for vehicle electrification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $10.5 million grant for the Port of Oakland under its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle programme.

Port of Oakland granted $10.5 million for vehicle electrification

The award will replace fossil-fueled cars with zero-emissions (ZE) vehicles in Oakland, Richmond, and San Francisco.

Colleen Liang, the Port’s Director of Environmental Programs and Planning, said: “The Port of Oakland is grateful for additional investments to transition freight equipment and infrastructure to zero emissions.

“Partnerships with our tenants and our community members and collaborative efforts are key components of delivering innovation and zero emissions throughout the entire region.”

Richmond Mayor, Eduardo Martinez, stated: “The City of Richmond welcomes this bold EPA investment in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. Not only will it help curb pollution and protect public health, but it also sets the stage for good-paying green jobs and a more equitable future for all.”

The grant award is part of the $735 million nationwide Biden-Harris initiative, Investing in America Agenda. California is on target to receive $135 million for 13 projects around the state to swap heavy-duty vehicles with ZE-powered alternatives.

EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, Martha Guzman, said: “Heavy-duty vehicle pollution contributes to dangerous air quality across the country, especially here in California. By replacing dirty, heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission models, this funding will reduce air pollution, improve health outcomes in nearby communities, and advance the campaign to tackle climate change.”

The port has partnered with United Parcel Service (UPS) to replace 60 UPS delivery trucks with ZE electric trucks. UPS will contribute roughly $5 million in matching money to help promote this fleet upgrade.

According to the Port of Oakland, the project will include:

• The replacement of 60 Class 6 UPS delivery trucks with ZE battery electric vehicles.
• Install chargers at three San Francisco Bay Area logistics centres.
• Community participation through the development and implementation of a community engagement plan.
• Workforce training on zero-emissions equipment; and grant implementation and administration.

In November, the Port of Oakland received approximately $50 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) to modernise wharves and terminal infrastructure at the Outer Harbor.