What’s Happening
AJR Trucking, a leading carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) and an influential drayage carrier in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, has placed a purchase order for 50 Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) trucks through Tom’s Truck Centers, a member of the Nikola Corporation’s sales and service dealer network. The delivery of these trucks is scheduled between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024.
Why It Matters
This move represents a significant investment in clean energy technology by AJR Trucking. In partnership with Nikola and Tom’s Truck Centers, AJR Trucking is set to apply for the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), with hopes of receiving $270,000 in point-of-sale incentives per FCEV. An additional $40,000 in federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act is also anticipated. This could lead to a significant reduction in the company’s carbon footprint and promote the adoption of zero-emission technologies in the trucking industry.
Key Points
In addition to the purchase of FCEV trucks, AJR Trucking is also exploring opportunities with Nikola to establish mobile fueling solutions at its properties in Compton and Santa Clarita, California. This would ensure efficient fueling for the new FCEV fleet. Moreover, competitively priced hydrogen fuel is expected to be delivered by Nikola to AJR Trucking’s terminals in support of the FCEV deployment.
Jack Khudikyan, owner of AJR Trucking, expressed his confidence in the future of zero-emissions trucking, praising the Nikola Tre FCEVs for their range, performance, and cost-effectiveness. He highlighted his excitement about leading the deployment of this new technology and offering customers zero-emissions freight solutions.
Bottom Line
AJR Trucking’s move to incorporate FCEV trucks into its fleet is a major step towards sustainable trucking. With over 30 years of service for USPS, AJR Trucking has been a consistent frontrunner in adopting the latest truck technology, including compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and battery-electric vehicles. The company’s latest move towards FCEVs, with their zero tailpipe emissions, long range, and fast fueling times, signifies its commitment to sustainable freight services and carbon reduction targets. This move also signifies a key moment in the wider adoption of green technology in the logistics industry.
