The Port of Vancouver has launched a pilot program deploying battery-electric container trucks into commercial freight operations to evaluate the performance of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles under real-world port conditions.
The initiative, known as the Electric Container Trucking Program (ELECTRA), has introduced six battery-electric Class 8 trucks across five trucking companies operating in British Columbia.
Pilot Supports Zero-Emission Freight Operations
The program is one of the first coordinated deployments of battery-electric container trucks at a major North American port.
Under the C$3 million initiative, participating trucking companies receive subsidized five-year vehicle leases together with charging infrastructure, maintenance support, driver training, and access to a centralized data platform that monitors vehicle operation and energy performance.
According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the first year of operation will focus on collecting performance data to support future deployment of battery-electric trucks.
“For the first 12 months that each truck is in service, the program will collect operational data that will be shared with industry and government partners to inform future adoption of battery electric container trucks.”
The port authority said four trucks are already operating, while the remaining two are expected to enter service later this year.
Partnership Across Industry and Government
The ELECTRA program is being delivered through a partnership involving the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Transport Canada, the Province of British Columbia, BC Hydro, and fleet technology company 7Gen.
Participating freight operators include Aheer Transportation Group, Lally Bros Holding, Simard Transport, Trans BC Freightways, and West Coast Freight, with all vehicles operating on container transport routes serving the Port of Vancouver.
The port authority said the project represents approximately C$3 million in combined funding from Transport Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the port authority, with additional financial support provided through BC Hydro’s EV Fleet Program.