Voltera, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has received a $9.6 million federal grant to develop zero-emission charging facilities at major U.S. ports, including significant improvements in Wilmington, California. This funding is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Highway Administration, focusing on reducing truck emissions at ports. The project allocates $7.8 million to Savannah, Georgia, and $1.8 million to Wilmington.
In Wilmington, the plan is to build a charging station with 20 charging stalls that can handle up to 4 megawatts of power. This facility is expected to cut down about 6,300 metric tons of emissions each year.
These projects aim to speed up the shift to zero-emission operations at crucial logistics centers as outlined in the U.S. Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. The goal is to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks that frequently operate in these ports.
The funding is seen as a critical step towards enhancing environmental and public health in areas like Wilmington, which are heavily affected by pollution from port activities. The initiative is also expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs related to green technology.
Voltera’s strategy involves a proactive site development approach, supported by significant private investment. Their collaborative efforts with partners such as Georgia Power highlight their commitment to expanding EV infrastructure and promoting wider investment in environmentally friendly technologies.
This initiative represents a significant move towards sustainable transportation, highlighting increased government support for green infrastructure and the strengthening of public-private partnerships in the zero-emission vehicle sector.