The United States has officially launched a comprehensive national strategy aimed at expediting the development and deployment of electric and hydrogen infrastructure specifically for freight trucks. This ambitious initiative is designed to transform the country’s freight transportation system, making it more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact.
This groundbreaking plan, developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to overhaul the nation’s freight transport system by deploying zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure across the U.S. from 2024 to 2040.
“For over a century, petroleum-fueled freight has transported vital food and resources to American families but at the same time, these vehicles have also contributed to lower public health, especially in densely populated communities,” remarked U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. The initiative addresses this issue directly, promising a freight system that not only supports American businesses but also safeguards the environment for coming generations.
Highlighting the strategy’s role in promoting environmental justice, President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, emphasized, “President Biden’s historic investments in zero-emission infrastructure on those high-traffic roads and the hubs they connect will rapidly transform freight transport in the U.S. and strengthen American innovation.” This approach is heralded as a tripartite win for frontline communities, businesses, and the climate.
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Alex Padilla lauded the administration for its concerted effort to hasten the establishment of vital heavy-duty vehicle infrastructure, aligning with both California’s and the administration’s zero-emission aspirations. This strategy underscores the U.S.’s commitment to a zero-emission transportation sector, fostering clean air for communities, and fortifying supply chains.
The strategy’s primary goal is to ensure widespread access to electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling for the nation’s freight networks, aiming for at least 30 percent ZE-MHDV sales by 2030 and a full transition by 2040. “Medium- and heavy-duty trucks in our current freight network contribute approximately 23% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. transportation sector,” noted Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. The new freight EV corridor designations introduced as part of this strategy are set to extend the national EV charging network, spurring clean commerce and contributing to President Biden’s net-zero emissions target for 2050.
Under President Biden’s leadership, the expansion of the U.S. EV charging network has seen significant progress, with more than 173,000 publicly available EV chargers nationwide—an increase of over 80%. The strategy’s phased approach prioritizes the development of infrastructure along critical freight corridors and hubs, establishing a robust national network by 2040. This strategic deployment promises a cleaner, more efficient freight transportation system, marking a significant leap toward achieving the U.S.’s ambitious climate goals.
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