Prologis and Performance Team, A Maersk Company, have successfully launched Southern California’s largest heavy-duty electric truck charging depot powered by the US’s largest electric truck microgrid. Located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Denker Avenue charging depot can charge up to 96 electric trucks simultaneously, making it a crucial step towards achieving the state’s zero-emission vehicle goals.
The project was completed in an impressive five months, showcasing the commitment of both companies to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks in the region. With the capability to charge Performance Team’s fleet of Volvo VNR Electric trucks, which have a range of 240 miles and can charge up to 80% in just 90 minutes, the charging depot will play a significant role in reducing emissions from heavy-duty transportation.
Charles van der Steene, regional president for Maersk North America, emphasized the importance of offering customers a decarbonized alternative to conventional trucking and expressed the company’s commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2040. California’s mandates to transition to electric drayage and heavy-duty trucks by 2035 and 2045, respectively, have spurred companies like Prologis and Maersk to invest in innovative solutions like the Denker microgrid.
Utilizing 2.75 MW of Mainspring Energy’s fuel-flexible linear generators combined with 18 MWh of batteries, the microgrid provides up to 9 MW of charging capacity for electric trucks. While the current power source is natural gas, the microgrid has the flexibility to switch between fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and biogas, offering a sustainable alternative in the long term.
Despite the initial use of natural gas, both companies are working closely with the LA Department of Water and Power to determine when the grid will be ready for a transition to cleaner fuels. The ability for the microgrid to function even during power outages gives electric truck operators added reliability and resilience, further emphasizing the benefits of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
While some concerns have been raised about the use of natural gas in the short term and the lack of a specific timeline for transitioning to hydrogen, the project represents a significant milestone in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation in Southern California. As the US aims for 100% clean electricity by 2035, the Denker Avenue charging depot sets a precedent for future developments in sustainable transportation infrastructure.
In conclusion, the successful launch of the Denker Avenue charging depot marks a crucial step towards reducing emissions from heavy-duty transportation in Southern California. With the potential to transition to cleaner fuels in the future, the microgrid represents a scalable and innovative solution to support the widespread adoption of electric trucks. As more companies and government agencies collaborate to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles, projects like the Denker microgrid showcase the possibilities of achieving a sustainable and decarbonized transportation sector.
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