Truck-as-a-Service (TaaS) fleet operator and charging infrastructure developer WattEV announced the award of grants totaling some $3 million from two Southern California government agencies. WattEV will use funding from the “Last-Mile Freight Program” of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) towards the purchase of 20 of its initial fleet of 50 Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. This move will help accelerate the deployment of emission-free freight-hauling in the six Southern California counties that make up SCAG’s region.
WattEV plans to use the 20 trucks partially funded by SCAG in its Truck-as-a-Service program for zero-emission freight deliveries starting in early 2023. The program is aimed at shippers and carriers operating in the Southern California region within WattEV’s charging network.
WattEV’s fleet of battery-electric trucks will serve shippers with sustainability mandates, starting with those whose base of operations are in Southern California. The WattEV fleet also will help affected shippers comply with Southern California’s new Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) program.
Zero-emission trucks used in the TaaS program will be available for individual drivers or small fleets as part of a full package service that includes use of the truck, charging and maintenance. The TaaS service provides value for owner-operators by removing the need for an initial investment in a new fleet, one of the highest barriers to entry in the new Zero Emission Transportation market.
Drivers will have new trucks at their disposal coupled with an innovative mobile app. The app enables drivers to plan the day ahead, receive route optimization directions, manage the state of battery charge, plus freight brokerage and data collection. The trucks can be picked up at any of WattEV’s expanding network of charging depots.
