While Volvo Cars is trying to find ways to create an EV charging corridor in the Pacific Northwest, Volvo Trucks is also attempting to build another charging network for its all-electric semi-trucks in production and it has already started making partnerships with key players.

Volvo is about to ally with Shell Recharge Solutions (formerly known as Greenlots), TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center, and Western Truck Center. The partnership aims to build a widely accessible medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle (MHD EV) charging network along with the most important port cities and industrial centers throughout California.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) under BESTFIT has granted the Volvo Group a $2 million endowment to begin “the Electrified Charging Corridor Project”.  The project will help to overcome the problems of long-range MHD EV deployments and slow widespread adoption.

The Electrified Charging Corridor Project in California

Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, explains the project’s goal as opening the door to a completely electrified freight future in which zero-tailpipe emission MHD EV trucks will be no longer limited to short-mileage and return-to-base operations and will reach far and wide across the state. He also stated that:

“We are excited to begin construction of the Electrified Charging Corridor Project this year in collaboration with these pioneering truck dealerships so that we can further support fleets in successfully integrating battery-electric trucks into their operations, including our Volvo VNR Electric model. With the support of the CEC helping to drive and manifest this project, we will see an accelerated progression with ripple effects across the industry.”

The Electrified Charging Corridor Project has three main targets for convenient charging. First, it will help small business fleets that will be in financial hardship if they make a major investment into the charging network. Secondly, the project will create opportunities for the fleets looking to pilot an MHD EV through rent or short-term leasing. And thirdly, fleets that need an OEM-neutral location to “opportunity charge” along their route will benefit from the charging network of Volvo Group.

CEC Commissioner Patty Monahan states that “The Energy Commission is thrilled to support the Electrified Charging Corridor Project, which will help California meet its goals for zeroing out tailpipe emissions from trucks.”

Volvo Trucks claims that the project will begin very quickly later this year with all five stations planned to be available by the end of 2023.