METHODOLOGY:  

Between March and July 2021, detailed performance data, including engine CAN and GPS position information, from 46 drayage trucks from three port operators was gathered at 1-Hz intervals, with each fleet displaying unique features like average speed and dwell time. This data validated an electric truck powertrain simulation, which was used to assess electrification impacts on operations. When simulating a fully electrified fleet, the real-world data was compared with model outcomes to measure emission reductions. This assessment combined methodologies from Argonne National Lab (for production emissions) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (for tailpipe emissions) to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

FINDINGS:

• Averaging across the three fleets and considering both production and tailpipe emissions, a full shift to electrification would result in a reduction of 76 metric tons of CO2 (MTCO2) per truck annually (about 75 percent reduction) using the current energy production mix, which equates to 24,100 MTCO2 per year for all three operators (with 314 trucks). Further reductions may be achieved if the electric grid switches to renewable energy.
• The study examined other pollutant reductions as well and broke out their improvements by each fleet. Table 1 below shows the percent reduction of each pollutant when compared to current tailpipe emissions for each fleet.

Table 1. Percent reduction of pollutant emissions for each fleet