Equitable Electrification: Overcoming Barriers in the Inland Empire’s ZEV Journey

The Inland Empire in Southern California, comprising San Bernardino and Riverside counties, is known for its extensive transportation and warehousing industries—but these industries can bring environmental challenges due to the high concentration of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MDHDVs), which contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. New Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) research, Moving Toward the Electrification of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles in the Inland Empire, provides a blueprint for planning the transition of MDHDVs in the Inland Empire to zero-emission, considering factors such as infrastructure development, technological advancements, economic impacts, and social equity to ensure a sustainable and inclusive transformation.

The transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the Inland Empire highlights how building a market requires carefully balancing supply and demand. The findings highlight crucial strategies for the Inland Empire’s transition:

• Understanding vehicular traffic and usage patterns across different regions is pivotal for effective infrastructure development. 

• Distinct disparities in readiness and needs exist across various subregions. For example, areas with dense logistics activities require robust charging networks to manage high volumes of MDHDVs.

• Report findings stress the importance of incorporating social equity considerations into the transition. Currently, there is a significant risk of exacerbating socio-economic disparities through uneven access to the emerging ZEV infrastructure. Areas with higher economic activity and better initial infrastructure are positioned to transition more smoothly, but economically disadvantaged areas could be further burdened if a concerted effort to bring them along is not made.

“The transition to MDHD EVs presents several implications for disadvantaged communities. The anticipated reduction in environmental pollution could lead to improved health outcomes in these areas, which are often disproportionately affected by vehicular emissions,” explain the study’s authors.

This study shows that the transition to MDHD EVs requires a region-specific approach, balancing environmental improvements with economic sustainability and equitable access. Strategic collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities can help ensure equitable access to the benefits of electrification, which is paramount for a transition that is not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and inclusive. While the electrification of MDHD in the Inland Empire is a challenging task, it is also a key opportunity to transform the region’s transportation system and contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

ABOUT THE MINETA TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE

At the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University (SJSU) our mission is to increase mobility for all by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nations’ transportation system. Through research, education, workforce development and technology transfer, we help create a connected world. Founded in 1991, MTI is a university transportation center funded by the US Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, and public and private grants, including those made available by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1). MTI is affiliated with SJSU’s Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Kimberly Collins, an expert in regional planning, equity, and sustainability, leads our research team with a focus on innovative transportation solutions. Dr. Raffi Der Wartanian specializes in data analytics and policy impact assessments. Dr. Francisca Beer brings expertise in the economic implications of environmental policies, and Dr. Yunfei Hou contributes with his deep knowledge of data analysis and technological applications in transportation.

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