While most ports still choke on diesel fumes, Los Angeles is betting $240 million that electric trucks can actually deliver the goods. The port recommitted to its Zero Emissions Truck Funding Plan this June, because apparently clean air is worth something after all.
The money’s already rolling in. Since April 2022, they’ve collected $123 million from their Clean Truck Fund, with another $120 million expected over the next three years. That’s real cash, not just promises. Every loaded container gets hit with a $10 fee. Simple math, big results. Cargo owners who switch to zero-emission trucks skip the CTF charges entirely, adding another incentive to go electric.
Right now, 546 zero-emission trucks work the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Not bad, considering a battery-electric Class 8 truck runs about $420,000. Want hydrogen fuel cell? That’ll be $750,000, please. The Clean Truck Fund throws vouchers up to $250,000 at buyers, and combined with other incentives, truckers can knock off 90% of the sticker price.
546 zero-emission trucks already hauling containers while diesel competitors watch their business model expire.
The timeline’s aggressive. Zero emissions by 2035 for the entire truck fleet. All port equipment goes electric by 2030. They’re already swapping 28 combustion vehicles for electric ones. The port plans to deploy 425 battery-electric cargo-handling units as part of its comprehensive electrification strategy. No messing around.
But trucks aren’t the whole story. Arc Boat Co. is setting up shop at the port this June, planning to electrify workboats five years ahead of schedule. Electric tugboats could cut emissions equivalent to parking 1.6 million cars. Permanently. Plus, they’re quiet. No fumes. Easier to drive. These efforts align with expert recommendations that renewable energy should make up 60-80% of electricity use by 2035.
Infrastructure’s the other piece. Both LA and Long Beach harbor commissions just dropped $12.5 million each for charging stations. That’s $25 million for plugs, basically. They’re also exploring microgrids and on-site power generation.
The Port of Los Angeles moves 180 million metric tons of cargo annually through 25 terminals. That’s a lot of diesel to replace. But Harbor Commission President made it clear: current and future generations deserve clean air. Hard to argue with that, even if you’re a diesel fan.
The port’s putting its money where its mouth is. Whether the rest of America’s ports follow suit remains to be seen.
References
- https://www.energytech.com/emobility/article/55294534/port-of-los-angeles-recommits-to-240m-zero-emissions-truck-funding-plan
- https://evmagazine.com/top10/top-10-ports-terminals-going-electric
- https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-05-14/arc-electric-boats-at-port-of-la
- https://1truck.us/port-of-los-angeles-presses-ahead-with-ev-transition-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/
- https://www.portoflosangeles.org/references/2024-news-releases/news_062724_pola_polb_truck_charging
