The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, marking a significant milestone in efforts to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission infrastructure for freight trucks across the United States.
Developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the US Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the strategy aims to guide the deployment of Charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs) from 2024 to 2040.
This strategy is designed to address the growing market demand for zero-emission solutions while targeting public investment to complement private sector momentum. By focusing on utility and regulatory energy planning, aligning industry activities, and improving air quality in communities impacted by diesel emissions, the initiative aims to foster a sustainable and resilient freight sector.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasised the importance of transforming freight operations to support American families and businesses while safeguarding the environment. She noted the adverse impact of fossil-fueled freight on public health, particularly in densely populated communities, and highlighted the administration’s commitment to innovative strategies to address these challenges.
President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, underscored the administration’s focus on delivering environmental justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact of heavy truck traffic on vulnerable communities. He emphasised the administration’s historic investments in zero-emission infrastructure and its potential to transform freight transport, drive American innovation, and benefit frontline communities, businesses, and the climate.
The strategy aims to promote ubiquitous access to electric vehicle (ev) charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure along the nation’s freight corridors, intermodal freight facilities, and high-usage ports. By aligning public policy and investments and prioritising infrastructure deployment along the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) in four phases, the initiative seeks to meet market demands and accelerate decarbonisation efforts.
In alignment with the strategy, the Federal Highway Administration announced the designation of National EV Freight Corridors along key roadways, as mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These designations are integral to building a reliable and made-in-America national EV charging network that supports individual drivers and commercial needs.
The strategy aims to leverage battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology to reduce fueling and maintenance costs associated with freight transport while delivering significant health benefits for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution from freight emissions. It also aligns with President Biden’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions for the nation by 2050.
Under President Biden’s leadership, the number of publicly available EV chargers nationwide has increased significantly, and investments in the US EV charging network have surpassed $25 billion. Today’s freight corridor designations are expected to attract further investment in EV charging infrastructure, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
