Zeem Solutions, selected through a competitive bidding process, brings expertise in electrifying commercial fleets. The company’s innovative “electrification-as-a-service” model allows fleet operators to adopt electric vehicles without the hefty upfront costs of purchasing trucks or building charging infrastructure. Six local fleet operators will acquire these 19 electric trucks at prices competitive with diesel models, thanks to a $5.12 million portion of the grant offsetting purchase costs. Zeem’s approach prioritizes small, diverse, and local operators, ensuring equitable access to this transition.
A Strategic Charging Hub
Central to the project is a new charging depot near SeaTac Airport, strategically located along SR-99, close to the new I-5 exit ramp and major warehouse districts. Set to break ground in fall 2025, the depot will initially feature six 400kW DC fast chargers, with plans to expand to support up to 250 vehicles daily and overnight parking for 70. Beyond trucks, the facility will serve light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric vehicles, offering amenities like a drivers’ lounge, 24-hour charging attendants, and maintenance services. This hub aims to make electrification seamless for operators, reducing both costs and emissions.
Why Drayage Matters
Drayage trucks, which shuttle cargo between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses, are vital to the Seattle-Tacoma gateway, where nearly 4,000 such vehicles operate. Despite their short routes, these trucks contribute roughly 6% of seaport-related diesel pollution and 30% of climate pollution in the region. Electrifying them promises significant environmental benefits, particularly for communities near freight corridors like I-5, where air quality impacts are acute. The initiative aligns with the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and the Decarbonizing Drayage Roadmap, which outlines 70 recommendations to achieve a zero-emission drayage fleet by 2050.
Economic and Environmental Wins
Zeem’s CEO, Paul Gioupis, emphasizes the dual benefits of the project: “Our goal is to make it a compelling business decision for fleets, that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.” By bundling charging, parking, and maintenance into an all-in lease, Zeem lowers the financial barriers to adopting electric trucks. The grant, combined with private investment from Zeem and its partners, reduces the need for operators to shoulder the high capital costs of heavy-duty EVs. This model could set a precedent for other ports nationwide, as the industry grapples with the costly shift to zero-emission vehicles.
A Broader Vision for Clean Ports
The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s initiative is part of a larger push to decarbonize maritime operations. The ports of Seattle and Tacoma, handling over 3.7 million containers annually, are a major North American trade gateway. This project builds on earlier efforts, like the 2022 deployment of electric cargo equipment at Tacoma’s South Intermodal Yard, which cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 259 tons yearly. With Washington’s Climate Commitment Act funding this latest step, the alliance is laying the groundwork for scalable, sustainable freight transport, with trucks expected to hit the road by 2026.
