Environmental Benefits

The JETSI project will support widescale deployment of zero-tailpipe emission freight trucks, helping to improve local air quality and protect our climate.

One of the most significant community benefits from the JETSI project is improved air quality. The JETSI project puts 100 zero-emission battery-electric trucks (BETs) into service with two Southern California fleets where diesel trucks previously operated, eliminating diesel exhaust fumes for hundreds of trucks trips daily. Through direct experience, outreach to fleets to share lessons learned, and connections to develop community awareness and greater support for electrification, JETSI is designed to showcase successful zero-emission goods movement in the logistics and freight industry. As more communities and fleets learn from the JETSI project to make the transition, BETs will be more widely deployed in the region and beyond, accelerating the improvement in local air quality, as well as decarbonization at global scale.

Why is this important?

Across the nation, heavy-duty trucks are hard at work transporting the goods and services that society depends on to thrive. More than 70% of all goods — from raw materials for manufacturing, to food, medicine, and clothing — are delivered to homes and businesses by trucks. Many of the goods being trucked begin their journey in Southern California — home to the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which handle more than 40% of all U.S. containerized trade.

While the trucking industry plays a vital role in the U.S. supply chain, it is a leading source of urban air pollution and a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation pollution disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities near ports and major freight corridors. Trucking electrification directly benefits these communities.

Electric Freight Routes

The JETSI project partners are committed to improving air quality for the broader Southern California region, especially disadvantaged communities impacted by truck traffic. California created criteria to define Disadvantaged Communities, via AB 617 and SB 535.

During the JETSI project, Schneider and NFI will demonstrate the viability of operating a scaled BET fleet as they complete their daily routes between the Ports and warehouses throughout the region.

The JETSI Project Map displays these disadvantaged communities with an overlay of JETSI BET routes.

View Project Map