The Electric Container Trucking Program (ELECTRA) has launched at the Port of Vancouver, introducing battery electric container trucks into real-world port operations. This pilot program promotes the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies by providing container trucking companies with subsidized five-year leases and supporting electric charging infrastructure. During the first 12 months of service for each truck, operational data will be collected and shared with industry and government partners to inform the future adoption of battery electric container transportation.
ELECTRA represents an estimated $3m in total support from Transport Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, with additional funding from BC Hydro’s EV Fleet Program. Delivered by the turnkey fleet electrification partner 7Gen, the pilot phase currently involves five trucking companies: Aheer Transportation Ltd., Lally Bros. Holding Ltd., Simard Westlink Inc., TransBC Freight Ltd., and West Coast Freight Ltd. Four battery electric trucks are already operating at the port, and two more are expected to be deployed later this year.
Participating companies receive at least one battery electric truck, charging infrastructure, maintenance support, technological and engineering design assistance, driver training, and operational support. They also gain access to a software platform that centralizes vehicle, charger, and utility data on a single dashboard. 7Gen oversaw the deployment of the vehicles and infrastructure at company depots following planning and site assessments with BC Hydro to ensure sufficient electricity supply.