SCAG Publishes ‘Southern California Zero Emission Truck Infrastructure Study’ to Advance Alternative Fueling Technologies
SCAG’s “Southern California Zero Emission Truck Infrastructure Study,” published online today, creates strategies and recommendations for expanding a regional network of public charging and fueling stations for zero-emission (ZE) trucks and supports statewide efforts to transition medium- and heavy-duty trucks to alternative fueling technologies. The study recommends a phased approach to station deployment and the infrastructure to address the needs of various truck markets as they transition to ZE fleets.
The study focused on battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell truck technologies, assessing their infrastructure requirements and integration into a regional network of fueling sites. The study identified how zero-emission truck infrastructure (ZETI) can support diverse operational models and regional zero-emission goals. The study also outlined how different technologies could complement each other to address varying operational needs of different service sectors. The recommendations reflect a mix of technologies and operational needs.
The ZETI study also developed tools and scenarios to help estimate the number, locations, and features of future charging and fueling stations needed for ZE trucks. Data from these tools will inform regional planning, support ZE station development, and be incorporated into the Electric Truck Research and Utilization Center Project, a statewide initiative by the California Energy Commission’s Research Hub for Electric Technologies in Truck Applications Program.
The ZETI study assessed regional and site-specific infrastructure needs for ZE truck operations using an advanced travel and energy utilization simulation model to estimate demand while considering various truck markets and operational needs throughout Southern California. Aligning with state projections, the study’s hydrogen fuel cell scenario focused on potential hydrogen demand in 2040. At the site level, 24 locations were evaluated for deployment feasibility based on site features, costs, and other key factors. The study developed scenarios for 2030, 2035, and 2040 to assess evolving infrastructure needs.
Through interviews, focus groups, surveys, and the technical advisory committee, SCAG collected detailed information on industry trends, planning and implementation challenges, and operational considerations in this emerging technology sector. Stakeholder engagement included feedback from truck operators, fleet managers, and public agencies to refine the recommendations to align with real-world operations.
The transition to ZE freight faces significant funding challenges, including high costs for ZE trucks, charging infrastructure, and land acquisition. Addressing these challenges will benefit from collaboration with SCAG and other agencies on grant opportunities, low-cost lease agreements with private operators, and public-private partnerships for ZE site development. SCAG has invested heavily to build tools and datasets to inform the strategic development of a regional network of public charging and fueling stations and hopes to be a valuable resource in coordinating efforts to secure funding for the region. A technical advisory committee of public and private sector stakeholders contributed comprehensive perspectives on the developing ZE landscape.
This study was funded in part by the California Energy Commission’s Research Hub for Electric Technologies in Truck Applications Program in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute.