Schneider National, a leading transportation and logistics service provider, unveils its state-of-the-art electric truck charging depot, set to become a key player in North America’s zero-emission landscape.
What’s Happening
Schneider National Inc., a top-notch provider of transportation, logistics, and intermodal services, has marked a milestone in sustainable transportation by launching a large-scale electric charging depot. Situated at its South El Monte Intermodal Operations Center in Southern California, the depot will fuel Schneider’s burgeoning battery electric truck (BET) fleet. By year’s end, the fleet will comprise nearly 100 Freightliner eCascadias, solidifying Schneider’s position among North America’s largest zero-emission fleet operators.
Why It Matters
This development is significant as Schneider’s new facility paves the way for a cleaner, greener transportation future. Mark Rourke, Schneider President and CEO, emphasized the strategic decision to develop on-site charging, addressing infrastructure deficiencies and efficiency needs for their electric fleet. The depot stands as a pioneering step in the evolution of the transportation industry towards more sustainable solutions.
Key Points
The charging depot, which spans over half the size of a football field, showcases 16 350 kW dual-corded dispensers, facilitating simultaneous charging for up to 32 trucks. This innovative layout allows the eCascadias to reach an 80% charge within just 90 minutes.
Centrally located in the metro Los Angeles area, the Schneider facility benefits from proximity to major highways and a dense customer base within a 50-mile radius. The company has already begun using the new eCascadia fleet for hauling deliveries for Frito-Lay North America and Goodyear, supporting both companies’ supply chain sustainability ambitions.
Funding for the project was primarily sourced from the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI), a project backed by state and local agencies aimed at promoting zero-emission heavy-duty trucks. Additional support came from various organizations, including the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Bottom Line
Schneider’s latest venture not only elevates its commitment to sustainability but also serves as a practical model for other companies contemplating a shift towards cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. The launch of this facility underscores the collective effort required to reduce carbon emissions and sets a promising precedent for future collaborative sustainability projects. By the time the depot is fully operational, Schneider’s 92 BETs could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by over 81,000 pounds per day, equivalent to taking 2,400 gas-powered cars off the roads. This not only accelerates Schneider’s progress toward its emission reduction goals but also represents a substantial contribution to the broader fight against climate change.
