Uber Freight reaches an electrified trucking milestone

In 2023, there is an incredible push to electrify the commercial sector. From the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other sustainably powered trucks across fleets to the solutions that support logistics operators in managing their assets to produce the most responsible and lucrative outcomes—decarbonising the supply chain with compromising profits. 

Uber Freight has announced plans to deploy electric trucks on select routes in Southern California.

The EV move will involve Uber Freight's expansive network of digitally enabled carriers. The programme is a collaborative effort with WattEV, a pioneer in the design and manufacture of heavy duty EVs, and whose innovative electric fleet and charging infrastructure Uber Freight will use.

The first shipper to participate in the pilot will be CHEP, a global leader in sustainable logistics. CHEP will begin running electric capacity on Uber Freight’s  Southern California route.

The pilot builds on WattEV’s mission to develop a nationwide network of heavy-duty charging facilities that will serve fleets of electric trucks.

CHEP will be able to book, schedule, and complete loads, track status and load KPIs, and manage paperwork all in one place.

In addition to the benefits of zero emissions and the absence of engine noise and fumes, widespread adoption of electric trucks will reduce reliance upon non-renewable fuels – the price of which is volatile right now – and also reduce maintenance costs.

The pilot is a milestone in electric freight transportation and is Uber Freight’s first EV deployment.

“Electric trucks are finally here, and we’re proud to partner with WattEV to offer Uber Freight shippers even more ways to move freight more sustainably,” said Uber Freight Head of Sustainability, Illina Frankiv. 

E-trucks 'will impact logistics profoundly' - Uber Freight 

She added:” “Electric trucks will have a profound impact on logistics, and we’re excited to build the technology platform to enable their seamless integration into supply chains”

Frankiv says Uber Freight’s expansive network is “uniquely positioned to navigate the logistical complexities of integrating electric vehicles into shippers’ transportation strategy”. 

“By partnering every step of the way with shippers, EV carriers and charging-network providers like WattEV, we’re the proven network of choice for shippers and carriers to integrate emerging technologies into their supply chains,” she continued.

Marisa Sánchez Urrea, Director of Global Supply Chain Decarbonisation at Brambles – CHEP’s parent company – said: “As the industry experiments with sustainable alternatives to complement traditional capacity, this pilot will provide stakeholders with valuable insight into the logistical complexities of electrifying freight transportation.

“This first electric truck pilot in the US is a step in the right direction, as we move towards a net positive carbon impact. We are proud to partner with our carriers and our customers as together we scale-up electrification opportunities and deliver on our shared decarbonization goals.”

Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO of WattEV, said: “We are proud to be a zero emission transport solution of choice for Uber Freight and their customers.

“Combining our transport business and our Truck-as-a-Service model, we are able to use Uber Freight’s digital platform to serve the shippers and their customers with our zero-emission truck routes and services.”