Uber Freight is set to launch its first zero-emission electric truck pilot, as reported by Electrek.
The launch is in partnership with WattEV, a California-based electric trucking and charging infrastructure company.
Electric Trucks are Here
Electric trucks will be deployed on select routes in South California and will eventually be available nationwide via WattEV's electric heavy-duty transportation platform.
The global supply chain solutions leader CHEP is the first shipper that will participate in the pilot program. Also, WattEV is developing a network of heavy-duty electric charging solutions that will be available nationwide.
Uber Freight's pilot program will support the company's expansion as they develop routes from the Port of Long Beach to the Inland Empire and Central Valley. They also have plans to roll-out the program in North Carolina and Arizona.
With the collaboration between WattEV and Uber Freight, shippers can book, schedule, and complete loads while tracking the status and managing paperwork in one place.
Also read: Uber Security Update: User Data Safe, 'No Evidence' of Access-All Features Operational
The Transition of Heavy-Duty Freight Trucks to Electric
The transition of heavy-duty freight trucks to electric vehicles is an important step towards reducing emissions and creating a greener economy. By using electric vehicles, companies can reduce fuel costs, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution.
Electric vehicles also have the potential to reduce operational costs by providing increased fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, electric vehicles can be charged overnight at off-peak hours, which helps reduce stress on the electric grid.
In order to successfully transition to electric vehicles, companies need to have access to reliable and affordable charging solutions. WattEV is developing a network of heavy-duty electric charging solutions that will be available nationwide. This network will enable companies to quickly and easily charge their vehicles and reduce the total cost of ownership.
By partnering with Uber Freight, WattEV is helping to create a more efficient and sustainable freight transportation system. This collaboration will help to accelerate the transition of heavy-duty freight trucks to electric vehicles and create a greener economy. As part of this initiative, they will learn from the data collected during the trial, which will help them figure out ways to reduce emissions from freight transportation in the future.
In 2019, freight transportation in the United States made up almost a third of all transportation. This number is predicted to increase drastically in the upcoming years unless something is done to prevent it.
Overall, it is clear that a successful transition towards greener forms of freight transportation requires partnerships between companies like Uber Freight and WattEV who are dedicated not only providing sustainable solutions but also ensuring they remain accessible across all sectors of society regardless economic status or location within the United States
Related article: Google's Waymo Launches New Partnership For Autonomous Trucking Services
