Electrification of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles In the Inland Empire

This research addresses the challenges of transitioning to medium-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles (MD/HD E.V.s) in California's Inland Empire (I.E.) region, where more than 22,000 transportation and warehousing facilities support the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It aims to investigate traffic patterns, logistics centers, and rest areas of MD/HD vehicles, examining the potential “opportunity charging” and land-use mapping that will support electrification in the future. Additionally, this research aims to explore the federal, state, and regional policies related to MD/HD ZEVs and assesses the potential policy-related needs that will facilitate the transition to a ZEV system from an equity and sustainability standpoint. To accomplish these objectives, big data and relevant work from government agencies, universities, and consulting firms will be utilized. The second part of the project will involve conducting a meta-analysis of previous studies on MD/HD E.V.s policy implications and equity, followed by ground truthing and interviews. The study findings can benefit logistics companies, local and state policymakers, and transportation planners in developing sustainable solutions for the I.E. region's transportation system. In addition, it will provide significant insight into the possibility of increasing the number of electric vehicles in the MD/HD category, ultimately enabling zero-emission mobility by 2045 as mandated by California's plan.