Battery-electric container trucks deployed at Port of Vancouver in emissions pilot program

Battery-electric container trucks are now operating at the Port of Vancouver as part of a pilot program aimed at accelerating the adoption of lower-emission freight technologies.

The Electric Container Trucking Program (ELECTRA) provides participating trucking companies with subsidized five-year leases, charging infrastructure and operational support. The pilot phase includes five companies operating six trucks, with four already in service and two more expected later this year.

The first 12 months of operation for each truck will be used to collect performance and operational data, which will be shared with industry and government partners to help inform future deployment of battery-electric container trucks.

“Container trucks are a vital part of the supply chain, moving goods safely and efficiently to and from the Port of Vancouver every day,” said Peter Xotta, president and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We’re proud to be part of this pilot program—one that allows trucking companies to test battery electric container trucks in real-world port operations and supports collective efforts to reduce emissions.”

ELECTRA is part of the Low Emission Technology Initiative, a joint funding partnership between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Province of British Columbia, with additional support from Transport Canada and BC Hydro.

The program represents about $3 million in total support and is being delivered in partnership with the port authority, the province, BC Hydro and 7Gen, which is acting as a turnkey electrification partner.

Participating companies include Aheer Transportation Ltd., Lally Bros. Holding Ltd., Simard Westlink Inc., TransBC Freight Ltd. and West Coast Freight Ltd.

7Gen is overseeing deployment of vehicles and charging infrastructure and providing ongoing maintenance and operational support, while BC Hydro contributed planning expertise to ensure sufficient grid capacity for charging operations.

“7Gen is thrilled to be part of this important pilot program and to help these companies make the switch to electric as seamlessly as possible,” said Frans Tjallingii, founder and CEO, 7Gen. “Drayage and medium-haul Class 8 are the segments where electrification has crossed the line from possible to practical. The trucks are operationally ready today, and the economics are getting more attractive every quarter. Being on the leading edge for B.C. is something we’re very proud of—it’s the right move for emissions, and it’s increasingly the right move for the businesses running these fleets.”

Each participating company receives at least one battery-electric truck, charging infrastructure where needed, maintenance support, engineering assistance, driver training and access to a centralized software platform.

“At BC Hydro, we are committed to helping our customers reduce emissions by making it easier to access clean, affordable electricity,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “Through our EV Fleet program, we provided on-the-ground expertise and incentives to support this forward-thinking project, enabling the Vancouver Port Authority to electrify its fleet and take a meaningful step toward cleaner air, quieter streets and lower emissions.”