Last June, the final group of Volvo VNR electric Class 8 trucks was delivered to a local fleet in Southern California, marking the completion of the delivery of 70 battery electric trucks under the “Switch On” project. Funded by the U.S. EPA’s Targeted Airshed Program grant, the Switch On project builds on the earlier success of the Volvo LIGHTS project, further advancing the commercial deployment of battery electric trucks. South Coast AQMD provided funding to support the installation of charging stations for these vehicles.

The truck deployment began in late 2022, with participation from eight local fleets, including a major online retailer and seven logistics fleets. These fleets operate from facilities in Fontana, Paramount, South Gate, and San Bernardino, where the trucks are charged.

As of June 2024, the deployed trucks have collectively logged approximately 600,000 miles, many of which are operated within overburdened communities. The trucks will continue to report usage data over the next year, with emission reductions to be quantified. The 70 Volvo VNR Electric trucks deployed through this grant are projected to deliver lifetime emission reduction benefits exceeding 152 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 1 ton of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and 53,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).