Amazon is gearing up to introduce the first of twelve Volvo electric big rigs in southern California, specifically at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex. The company, known for its extensive e-commerce operations, has already put into operation eight of these semi trucks at the port, where there is a requirement for all drayage trucks to be emissions-free by 2035. This move signals Amazon's commitment to extending its electrification endeavors throughout its land-based logistics network, linking ports to customer destinations in a bid to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
While Amazon has successfully deployed over 13,500 Rivian electric cargo delivery vans nationwide since 2022, the shift to electric semi trucks poses a greater challenge due to the larger batteries and more complex charging infrastructure required. Recognizing the significance of this venture, Amazon is still in the learning phase with electric big rigs according to Madan, an individual overseeing Amazon's logistics network. Volvo Trucks North America, the manufacturer of Amazon's electric drayage trucks, will collaborate with the company and JB Hunt, a provider of drivers for the rigs, during the deployment process to ensure a smooth transition and gather valuable insights for future improvements.
As Amazon continues its journey towards sustainability, various stakeholders including ports, private companies, and truck owners are working together to establish heavy-duty charging stations to support the shift towards zero-emission vehicles. In the immediate future, Amazon's electric port trucks will rely on charging facilities provided by Forum Mobility, a startup that has Amazon's Climate Pledge fund as one of its early investors. Forum Mobility is set to inaugurate a new depot at the Port of Long Beach on May 15, designed to offer rapid charging for hundreds of drayage trucks on a daily basis.