Daimler Truck has revealed the inauguration of the first EV charging network dedicated to commercial vehicles in the United States, a project spearheaded by Greenlane Infrastructure.
Greenlane, a collaborative effort involving Daimler Truck North America, NextEra Energy Resources, and BlackRock (through a fund managed by its Climate Infrastructure business), is focused on conceptualizing, constructing, and operating an advanced zero-emission public charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure catering to medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles across the United States. The introduction of this charging corridor signifies a pivotal milestone in Greenlane’s endeavor to meet the pressing demand for publicly accessible electric charging infrastructure.
Covering a 450-kilometer stretch between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the newly established charging corridor boasts over 100 charging stations equipped with contemporary amenities along Interstate I-15, with the primary objective of expediting the adoption of carbon-neutral freight transport. The inaugural charging stations are strategically located in Colton, Barstow, and Baker, California, chosen based on meticulous analysis of truck telematics data, predominant freight routes, and customer deployment strategies. Plans are underway to expand the corridor in the forthcoming year, extending its reach beyond Southern Nevada to encompass San Pedro, California.
Commenting on the selection process, Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO of Greenlane, remarked, “By carefully evaluating factors such as truck telematics data and prevalent freight routes, we have identified these three optimal locations for our inaugural commercial charging corridor, thereby accelerating the transition to zero emissions. The launch of this corridor not only addresses the pressing need for nationwide publicly accessible electric charging for commercial vehicles but also sets a precedent for future EV charging hubs.”
Each Greenlane site is meticulously designed to elevate and enrich the existing rest stop experience, featuring spacious pull-through lanes for seamless ingress and egress. While awaiting vehicle charging, drivers can avail themselves of contemporary amenities, including restroom facilities, as well as food and beverage options.
Greenlane aims to establish a comprehensive network of commercial charging infrastructure throughout the United States, catering not only to battery-electric passenger cars and light-duty fleet customers but also providing hydrogen refueling capabilities for commercial vehicles in the years to come.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the first site in Colton is scheduled for later this year, with an anticipated opening in late 2024. Upon completion, the Colton site will house over 60 chargers, including 400 kW Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) designed to expedite charging for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Additionally, on-site 200 kW DCFC charging options will facilitate long-duration and overnight charging for heavy-duty tractors, medium-duty ZEVs, and school buses. Subsequent project phases will introduce long-duration and overnight charging lanes for tractor-trailer combinations. The Colton site is also future-proofed to accommodate the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) when commercially available.
