Southern California Zero Emission Truck Infrastructure Study

Post June 6, 2023

In January 2023, SCAG began preparing a study to help envision a regional network of zero emission transportation infrastructure for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The resulting “Southern California Zero-Emission Truck Infrastructure Study” includes a phased blueprint and action plan toward realizing this goal and answering key questions about how stations in the region can serve different truck markets and business functions. The study includes engagement with various stakeholders, including truck drivers, fleet operators and warehouse operators, developers, operators of terminals and intermodal facilities and community organizations. A technical advisory committee of key stakeholders instrumental in implementing zero-emission truck infrastructure guides the development of the study.

Details related to the quantity, distribution and characteristics of charging and fueling stations will be quantified to the extent possible to help visualize and plan for infrastructure needs and investments. Study findings and products will also feed into the Electric Truck Research and Utilization Center (eTRUC) Project, funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) Research Hub for Electric Technologies in Truck Applications (RHETTA) Program and led by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). SCAG’s work will include both Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell trucks.

This study is both a macro and micro scale investigation of where and how charging stations may be deployed to facilitate charging and fueling for different markets, to estimate market share and demand for different technologies and to show how a combination of technologies may work together to support regional zero emission goals. Up to 10 sites will be selected to provide a closer look at the needs of deploying an individual station.

This study will:

Develop a regional plan for charging and fueling infrastructure based on an extensive study of needs throughout Southern California.
Include a truck market study to calculate the expected energy demand for charging and fueling stations using HEVI-Pro.
Include phased mapping of proposed station locations.
Consider exiting public and private sector plans from around the region.
Include engagement with truck drivers, fleet operators and warehouse operators, developers, operators of terminals and intermodal facilities, and community organizations.
Create high-level plans for 10-12 site-specific station locations.