Nissan Among First to Trial All-Electric, Heavy-Duty Trucks for New Vehicle Deliveries

Nissan is now using two battery electric vehicle (BEV) heavy-duty, Class 8 trucks to deliver new vehicles from the Port of Los Angeles to dealerships in the Los Angeles region.

This initiative underscores Nissan’s commitment to environmental sustainability while also showcasing the potential of BEVs in heavy-duty transportation. By utilizing Class 8 trucks powered entirely by electricity, Nissan reduces the carbon footprint of their logistics operations. Furthermore, this move signals a significant shift in the automotive industry, with companies actively seeking greener alternatives for not just the cars they manufacture, but also the means by which they are distributed.

Two heavyweights in the electric heavy-duty truck manufacturing industry, Nikola and Kenworth, will be supplying the Class 8 trucks power these operations. These pioneering companies will provide trucks that will haul traditional car carriers, marking another milestone in the shift towards electric-powered logistics. The implementation of this program is facilitated through a partnership with Avant-Garde Auto Logistics LLC, a women-led transportation company based in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Moreover, Nissan has joined forces with its existing logistics partner, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, to establish a charging solution for the electric trucks coming into operation at the Port of Los Angeles. This collaboration illustrates a comprehensive, synergistic approach towards environmental sustainability, spanning from vehicle manufacturing to distribution logistics.

“Exploring the use of BEV trucks for new vehicle delivery is an important milestone in our journey toward carbon neutrality throughout our business,” said Chris Styles, vice president, Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America. “By being an early adopter of this technology, we’re showcasing our innovative spirit and positioning ourselves to meet our long-term goals for zero-tailpipe-emission transportation.”

Appropriately, the first dealership deliveries with the BEV trucks, to Downey Nissan in California, included Nissan’s all-new, all-electric crossover, the 2023 Ariya. Ariya combines the latest in Nissan’s technology and cutting-edge design. The crossover offers an option for everyone with eight well-equipped grade levels. Ariya FWD trims are on sale now, with deliveries of e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive trims to follow this spring. This proof-of-concept project will help Nissan and its logistics partners understand more about the use of all-electric trucks for vehicle delivery. Following the initial trial with four BEV car hauler trucks, Nissan plans to deploy additional trucks in the Los Angeles area. Building on lessons learned from these projects, Nissan could eventually begin using BEV trucks for a variety of logistics uses.

As one of the inaugural automakers to leverage all-electic heavy-duty trucks for the transport of new vehicles to dealerships, Nissan continues to uphold its pledge to reach carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050. Beyond introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to promote accessible electric mobility for all, the automaker actively seeks opportunities to decrease emissions across other facets of its business. Under the umbrella of Nissan’s Ambition 2030 plan, a target has been set for 40% of its U.S. sales to be electric by the year 2030, with an increase in electrified options anticipated shortly thereafter. This proactive approach exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the automotive industry.

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