The company claimed that the move marks one of the world’s largest deployments of zero-emission commercial trucks. The vehicles will be put into services throughout the state – including San Bernardino, Ceres, Fresno, Bakersfield and Sacramento, and creating jobs here in the heart of California’s Central Valley.
“These all-electric vehicles remind us that California continues to be a dynamic centre of innovation,” said California’s governor Jerry Brown.
“These trucks were built here, they’ll be driven here and they’re already changing the way business is done here – cutting emissions and eliminating the need for tanker trucks of fossil fuels.”
He described the deployment of the vehicles manufactured by US firm EVI as “a significant first step” in supporting a recent Executive Order for widespread deployment of zero-emission vehicles throughout California.
“These vehicles are an example of how California is using vision, collaboration and ingenuity to lead the way on clean transportation,” added California energy commissioner Robert B. Weisenmiller.
“Two years ago, the Energy Commission awarded crucial seed funding for the Air Resources Board program that helped put these clean, emission-free vehicles into service today, and will put many more on the road in future years.
“By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these investments protect the environment and the health of all Californians.”