Program Updates
Green Freight Corridors: An Ecosystem Approach to Catalyzing the ZE-MHDV Transition
In the journey to achieve zero-emission (ZE) commercial transportation, taking the road less traveled is not an option. Freight corridors, which are vital routes linking global industrial hubs, ports, and cities, present the perfect opportunity to rally stakeholders around ecosystem solutions to decarbonize the movement of people, goods, and services.
The vehicles that traverse these corridors are a growing source of emissions and one of the most significantly contributing segments to climate pollution. While medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) constitute only 4% of total fleet vehicles, they are responsible for a disproportionate 36% share of fuel consumption and respective greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why Drive to Zero, alongside our partners and allies in the ZEVWISE coalition, launched an initiative to advance the development of at least Ten Green Corridors globally by 2026. The map below shows eight of the initial Ten Green Corridors, led by the initiative’s partners, which span multiple countries across four continents.
To make ZE corridors visible, replicable, and scalable, coalition partners are:
- Leveraging networks to mobilize resources and enhance collaboration to increase investment in the ZE ecosystem and accelerate infrastructure and ZE-MHDV deployment.
- Serving as knowledge leaders with a big tent approach — sharing experiences, covering step-by-step process, tools, and management for corridor development to demonstrate feasibility, disseminate best practices and blueprints, and increase access to innovative solutions that can be replicated.
- Catalyzing global transition to a ZE freight future across the Global South and Global North.
We’re striving to create a robust global network and establish best practices for green corridor planning, implementation, and operation. At least two more corridors will be added to the scope of the initiative this year, and that number will grow as our network expands and more leaders answer the call.
The mission is not limited to standing up the Ten Green Corridors. Yes, the success of this initiative will be measured by the ability to replicate and scale additional kilometers (or miles) of corridors and the decarbonized vehicles in the ports, cities, and depots they operate in and through. And of vital importance are the vehicle and infrastructure policies they support and catalyze. We need a virtuous cycle.
We know that regulations resulting in increased supply of ZE-MHDVs are a precursor to a successful transition to zero-emitting vehicles. At the same time, the shift to green freight corridors supports a more rapid adoption of such policies across regions by establishing alignment among stakeholder groups and presenting visible demonstrations of the energy and transportation systems in motion. This shows the success of frontrunner policy in practice and confirms market certainty for all.
Accomplishing the goals set out by the Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs requires concrete action. To achieve 100% ZE-MHDVs by 2040, ZE regional and long-haul road transportation need to be enabled. The I-95 corridor in the U.S., which is one of the Green Corridors, is an example that underscores the importance of immediate action. Its traffic volume of approximately 9 million trucks traverses large cities such as New York City, with 15.4 million metric tons (CO2eq) of greenhouse gas emissions from MHDVs per year. By eliminating emissions associated with freight transport, we slash climate pollution and a significant degree of health-harming emissions. For example, MHDVs are also responsible for 52% of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 45% of the particulate matter (PM2.5) from on-road emissions in New York state.
Decarbonizing commercial vehicles demands an all-hands-on-deck approach. It will take all actors at every level — local, national, global — to realize sustainable freight corridors and the goals of the Global MOU. Will you join us?
Stephanie Kodish, Global Director, CALSTART / Drive to Zero
Interested in learning more about this initiative? Contact Adrian Serna Tamez, Global Program Manager, Drive to Zero.
Special Features
ZETI: Drive to Zero’s Zero-Emission Technology Inventory
Have you met ZETI yet? ZETI, or the Zero-Emission Technology Inventory, equips users, industry stakeholders, and policymakers with up-to-date knowledge of the commercially available offerings within the global zero-emission vehicle and equipment markets. The on-road version of the tool, which tracks trucks and buses, was recently updated to include several new features and is now available in six languages. Users can now filter the database using key metrics, such as vehicle range, payload, and weight classification. Explore the tool.
Version 2 Coming Soon: Off-Road Zero-Emission Technology Inventory (ZETI) Tool
Join our webinar on August 30 to explore the seven new categories of ZE equipment launching on our Off-Road ZETI this month. We’ll show you how to access new market data for ZE off-road vehicles and equipment, including construction, harbor craft, agriculture, airport ground support equipment, rail and locomotive, mobile power and ground power units, and mining. Register for the webinar.
Industry News
Winners announced for ScotZEB 2 programme: Zenobe lead the consortium, Ember among main beneficiaries
Over 250 electric buses and coaches will be deployed in Scotland, a Global MOU signatory, thanks to a consortium lead by Zenobē. This is a result of the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund, or ScotZEB 2.
Why I was right to introduce the Ulez charge, by London Mayor Sadiq Khan
In this piece in the Independent, London’s mayor shares the impact of the ultra-low-emission zone (Ulez), which has led to a 20% reduction in pollution in the city.
ACEA: New commercial vehicle registrations: vans +15%, trucks +3%, buses +28.6% in H1 2024
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), electric and hybrid-electric commercial vehicles registrations increased in the first six month of 2024. Electric trucks saw an increase of more than 50%.
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