The United States government has released the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, aimed at accelerating the deployment of zero-emission infrastructure for freight trucks.

Developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the strategy will guide the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure from 2024 to 2040.

The strategy is designed to meet growing market demands by targeting public investment to amplify private sector momentum, focus utility and regulatory energy planning, align industry activity, and improve air quality in local communities heavily impacted by diesel emissions.

“For over a century, petroleum-fueled freight has transported vital food and resources to American families but at the same time, these vehicles have also contributed to lower public health, especially in densely populated communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is addressing this issue head-on with innovative strategies to transform freight so it not only supports American families and businesses, but also protects the environment for future generations.”

“This is a big move to deliver environmental justice – 75% of heavy truck traffic travels on just 4% of our nation’s roads, jeopardising the health of our most vulnerable communities,” said President Biden’s National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

“President Biden’s historic investments in zero-emission infrastructure on those high-traffic roads and the hubs they connect will rapidly transform freight transport in the U.S. and strengthen American innovation.

“Through the President’s whole-of-government strategy, this administration is delivering a win-win-win for frontline communities who will benefit from cleaner air, businesses that will save millions on fuel costs, and for our climate.”

The government said providing ubiquitous and convenient access to electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling along the nation’s freight corridors and at intermodal freight facilities and high-usage ports is key to achieving U.S. goals to promote at least 30% ZE-MHDV sales by 2030 and 100% sales by 2040.

The goal of the strategy is to align public policy and investments by prioritising, sequencing, and accelerating infrastructure along the National Highway Freight Network in four phases.

A core objective of the Strategy is to meet freight truck and technology markets where they are today, determine where they are likely to develop next, and set an ambitious pathway that mobilizes actions to achieve decarbonisation.

The National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy will prioritise, sequence, and accelerate infrastructure along key freight corridors and hubs in four phases. The phases include:

Establish priority hubs based on freight volumes (2024-2027)

Connect hubs along critical freight corridors (2027-2030)

Expand corridor connections initiating network development (2030-2035)

Achieve national network by linking regional corridors for ubiquitous access (2035-2040)