Port Authority of NY and NJ Launches $45 Million Electric Truck Program
Partnering with CALSTART, the agency will deploy zero-emission drayage trucks and charging hubs at the East Coast's busiest seaport.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has launched a $45 million incentive program to accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy truck fleets. Partnering with the nonprofit CALSTART, the initiative targets the electrification of drayage and terminal operations at the East Coast's busiest seaport to reduce diesel reliance.
The program is split into two primary tracks. The Clean Truck Incentive (CTI) allocates $39 million in point-of-sale vouchers for the purchase of zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and supporting charging infrastructure. Complementing this, the Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) provides $5 million to develop up to five new electric vehicle charging hubs located within 10 miles of port facilities.
Funding for this $45 million effort stems from a larger $451 million grant provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, marking the largest sustainability grant in the history of the Port Authority. Additionally, a separate $3 million planning grant has been allocated to establish a Port Community Advisory Council.
The Path to Net-Zero
This rollout is a central component of the Port Authority's commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Executive Director Kathryn Garcia noted that achieving this goal requires the cooperation of tenants, contractors, and the trucking community. The move aligns with a broader regional shift toward electrification; for instance, APM Terminals recently ordered 34 electric gantry cranes and 96 electric yard trucks for its New Jersey operations.
Industry and Community Impact
By reducing the high upfront costs of zero-emission equipment, the program aims to modernize the East Coast supply chain. Beyond logistics, the shift is intended to provide immediate air quality improvements for local communities surrounding the port, which have historically been disproportionately affected by diesel pollution. Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole emphasized that these trucks are vital to the regional economy, fanning out from the gates to warehouses and distribution hubs across the area.
Implementation and Oversight
CALSTART is tasked with the design and administration of the programs. As part of the rollout, the nonprofit will implement dynamic tracking dashboards to monitor deployment and performance. These management tools are scheduled to be transferred to the Port Authority in 2028. According to CALSTART Executive Vice President of Regional Market Acceleration Alycia Gilde, scaling zero-emission trucks requires the simultaneous delivery of accessible vehicle incentives and reliable, high-capacity charging infrastructure.