Voltera Expands Charging Infrastructure for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks in California

Voltera, a U.S.-based charge point operator, is enhancing its portfolio by developing two new charging hubs specifically for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in California, aimed at facilitating the transition to zero-emission mobility.

The first hub will be situated in Wilmington, near the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. It will provide a total charging capacity of five megawatts, accommodating up to 30 charging stalls. This strategic location is expected to significantly support the region’s extensive drayage operations. Funding for the construction comes from the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Carl Moyer Programme, which contributed $2.3 million, along with $1.8 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Programme.

The second charging site will be located in West Sacramento, Northern California, with a power supply of one megawatt and the potential for up to 100 electrified charging stalls. This site’s proximity to Interstate 5 and Interstate 80, two major routes traversing California, positions it as an essential facility for long-haul trucking.

Although Voltera has not disclosed specific opening dates or the charging capacity of individual chargers, the company emphasizes that the locations have been carefully selected to address the unique requirements of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleets. Sylvia Hendron, Chief Development Officer at Voltera, stated, “Securing these two sites in California is a significant step forward in our mission to support the electrification of commercial fleets. Each location has been carefully chosen and developed to meet the unique needs of ZEV fleets, from proximity to key transit routes to securing necessary funding.”

Recently, Voltera secured a $100 million debt facility from ING and Investec, in addition to ongoing equity support from EQT, which is also an investor in the two new California sites.

Voltera aims to “develop, own, and operate strategically located, fit-for-purpose charging facilities to enable EV deployment and operation at scale,” focusing on establishing infrastructure for both electric cars and commercial vehicles. In March, the company launched a truck charging hub in Lynwood, California, close to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which is capable of charging up to 200 vehicles daily.

Additionally, Voltera is a participant in Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT), a U.S. lobby organization established in early 2024 by Daimler Truck North America, Volvo Group, and Navistar. PACT advocates for the development of charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.

Dawn Fenton, Board Chairperson of PACT, highlighted the importance of strategically located charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, stating, “The location of charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty trucks is crucial for a sustainable energy transition in the trucking sector. Commercial fleets require access to power near major freight routes, along with ample space for vehicles to enter, exit, and maneuver.” She emphasized that the efforts of PACT’s charging developer members are vital for accelerating transportation electrification and will indicate the growing demand for utility services in this sector.