Who’s Afraid Of Electric Trucks? Not Ohio, Indiana, California, Michigan…

Several US states are making significant strides in the adoption and development of electric trucks, signalling a renewed momentum in vehicle electrification despite recent setbacks at the federal level. Ohio is at the forefront with its DriveOhio Truck Automation Corridor Project, which will see autonomous, cab-less electric trucks from Swedish firm Einride operating along a 166-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Columbus and Indianapolis. These Level 4 self-driving trucks, monitored remotely and capable of handling complex driving scenarios, will begin transporting goods this summer in partnership with Ease Logistics and the Indiana Department of Transportation, marking a major step forward for autonomous freight movement in the region. California is advancing its electric truck ambitions through the launch of the California Clean Fuel Rewards rebate programme, set to start on 26 June. Funded by revenues from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the $1 billion initiative will offer substantial financial incentives ranging from $7,500 to $120,000 to both private and public fleets purchasing medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks along critical freight corridors, with rebates available for a wide range of vehicles including drayage trucks, electric semis, and delivery vans, as well as Class 2b vehicles such as full-sized SUVs and pickups used by public fleets. Michigan is focusing on the lighter end of the electric truck market with a $5 million grant awarded to startup Slate Auto to support the production of its Class 2a electric pickup truck. The funding, provided through the Michigan Business Development Program, will help expand Slate’s headquarters in Troy and is expected to create nearly 400 new jobs in engineering, design, and corporate roles. Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate has already amassed 150,000 reservations for its minimalist electric pickup, with deliveries anticipated to begin later this year and volume production ramping up in 2025, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to fostering domestic innovation in sustainable vehicle manufacturing. Meanwhile, efforts to electrify off-road vehicles are gaining traction in the seaport logistics sector. APM Terminals has partnered with EV charging provider Kempower to install DC fast-charging stations at its global terminals, supporting a transition to battery-electric container handling equipment powered by renewable energy. Pilot projects are underway in Mexico, Morocco, and Peru, while APM’s US terminals, including the one in Elizabeth, New Jersey, have already replaced diesel terminal tractors with electric models and installed wireless charging infrastructure. This initiative, partly funded by a US Environmental Protection Agency grant, is part of APM’s broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Together, these developments illustrate a diverse and multi-faceted approach to electric truck adoption across the United States, spanning autonomous technology, financial incentives, startup innovation, and infrastructure upgrades. The combined efforts of state governments, private companies, and port operators highlight the growing recognition of electric trucks as a critical component in reducing emissions and modernising freight and logistics operations nationwide.