The port of San Diego will enhance its vehicle fleet with 14 new electric vehicles (EVs) from National Auto Fleet Group (National Auto), after the approval of the board of the Californian port commissioners.
The purchase of the new EVs will cost approximately US$820,000 and will support the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and its vision of “Health Equity for All.”
The purchase is being funded through the Port’s Economic Recovery Program established to designate and track federal stimulus funds the Port has received via the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of California’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund, according a port’s statement.
“The Port of San Diego is putting the MCAS goals set forth by the community and other stakeholders into action. Not only is our approach to improving air quality among the most aggressive in the country, but we have also outlined how we will deliver,” said Dan Malcolm, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners.
The new EVs, which are anticipated to be delivered by spring 2023, include ten medium-duty pickup trucks and four vans and will replace gas or diesel-powered vehicles, kicking off the port’s conversion to a zero emissions fleet.
In addition to the 14 new vehicles from National Auto, the port of San Diego has also ordered two Lordstown electric pickup trucks, which are expected to be delivered by late summer or early fall 2022.
