Total Transportation Services Inc. in late December took delivery of a zero emission battery-electric truck, manufactured by Nikola Corporation, which makes heavy-duty commercial battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).
The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries up to 350 miles.
TTSI, a Southern California-based port trucking company, said it plans to use the truck to expedite zero-emission transportation solutions at the Los Angeles and Long Beach seaports.
“Nikola committed to make its first Tre BEV deliveries in Q4 2021 and it is a big honor to celebrate this milestone with our partner, TTSI, and dignitaries who are committed to advancing zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce truck emissions in port operations,” Nikola CEO Mark Russell said during a Dec. 17 ceremony. “TTSI has significant sustainability goals, and we are pleased to help them achieve their vision.”
The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries of up to 350 miles. The Nikola Tre FCEV truck is targeted for distances up to 500 miles and is expected to address the North American regional market, especially when additional hauling capacity or quick fueling are required by fleet operators.
TTSI has committed to ordering 100 zero-emission trucks beginning with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two FCEVs. Based on satisfactory completion of the trials, and subject to TTSI obtaining certain government funding, 30 BEVs are projected to follow later in 2022, with 70 FCEVs following in 2023.
According to TTSI, in any given month, 13,000 to 14,000 trucks call at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex, emitting about 2,600 tons per year of smog-causing nitrogen-oxide emissions.
“The location and transportation use represent one of the largest opportunities in California to make a significant impact for the transition to sustainable transportation,” Nikola said in a statement.
