Part 4/7:
A notable recent event was a $7 billion climate action fund deployed rapidly by an outgoing administration, with a portion specifically earmarked for the purchase of electric trucks. The United Climate Fund is set to leverage $250 million to buy up to 500 Class 8 electric trucks, marking the largest single order in U.S. history. However, at $500,000 each, the cost remains prohibitive.
Meanwhile, California’s legislative push for zero-emission drayage trucks has created additional incentives. The state has amassed funds via clean truck programs and offers federal tax credits to further encourage adoption. Yet, a significant hurdle persists: the U.S. currently lacks mass production capabilities for electric trucks, with Chinese manufacturers being the major players in this field.