4 Gen Logistics pushes to a fully zero-emission drayage fleet by 2025, building Long Beach charging depot and inland hub
Rialto, California — 4 Gen Logistics aims to convert its drayage operations to a fully zero‑tailpipe emission fleet by the end of 2025, deploying battery and hydrogen trucks plus major charging depots at Long Beach and an inland Rialto hub.
Key takeaways
- Ambitious timeline: 4 Gen targets 100% zero‑tailpipe emission drayage by end of 2025 (Comvoy article; Electrek).
- Current fleet: Operating 79 ZEVs including Volvo VNR Electric, Kenworth T680E BEVs, and Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks (Comvoy article).
- Charging scale: Long Beach depot phase one: 30 × 350 kW chargers; plan for up to 60 in stages, plus an inland Rialto hub (Comvoy article; DSLLog blog).
- Partners & funding: Electrify America (including a reported $25 million “Green City” investment), CARB, MSRC and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach support the rollout (Comvoy article).
Fleet electrification: trucks, scale and timelines
Rapid transition: 4 Gen has moved from pilots to full fleet orders, reporting 79 zero‑emission vehicles in service today composed of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell models. The battery lineup includes Volvo VNR Electric and Kenworth T680E BEVs; hydrogen needs are met with Nikola fuel cell tractors where appropriate (Comvoy article).
The company expects to reach 100% zero‑tailpipe emissions for its drayage fleet by the end of 2025 — a timeline the firm highlights to show electrification is operationally possible now, not just in the future (Electrek).
Long Beach charging depot and Rialto hub
Infrastructure is central. 4 Gen partnered with Electrify America to build two heavy‑duty depots: a major Port of Long Beach site and an inland Rialto facility to shorten empty miles and speed turnarounds (4 Gen announcement).
Phase one at Long Beach installed 30 hyper‑fast 350 kW chargers — described as one of the largest heavy‑duty port installations in North America at reporting — with staged expansion planned up to 60 chargers to support ongoing fleet growth (Comvoy article; DSLLog blog).
Funding and partnerships
The ramp uses a mix of private and public support. Electrify America reportedly committed a $25 million “Green City” investment to expand heavy‑duty charging capacity. Additional grant and permitting support came from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, helping lower upfront costs and speed engineering and permitting at complex port sites (Comvoy article; DSLLog blog).
Leadership and industry message
CEO David Duncan frames the program as a test case:
“lead the charge” — a pledge to demonstrate that fleet electrification can work now with the right investments and partners.
Industry observers say 4 Gen’s mixed approach — battery for short, high‑utilization runs and hydrogen for longer or quick‑turn trips — provides operational flexibility as rules tighten (Electrek).
Open questions and operational challenges
Progress is clear, but practical questions remain:
- Grid demand: dozens of simultaneous 350 kW charges create large electricity demand; phased capacity builds and grid upgrades will be necessary.
- Hydrogen logistics: fuel cell trucks reduce charge time but rely on reliable hydrogen supply and fueling stations that are still scaling in Southern California.
- Workforce and systems: maintenance, driver training and new fleet software require sustained investment — replacing diesel is also an operational transformation.
Implications for The Imperial Valley
Economic impact
Depot construction, charging station installation and hydrogen infrastructure could create electrician, technician and construction jobs inland. If 4 Gen and similar operators expand inland hubs, the Imperial Valley could see blue‑collar opportunities and training partnerships with local colleges.
Political consequences
Local and state officials may view 4 Gen’s rapid timeline as evidence that aggressive clean‑air policies can be met without stopping commerce, increasing pressure to streamline permitting and incentives for charging and hydrogen infrastructure in inland counties.
Social effects
Cleaner trucks on key routes could reduce diesel soot and health risks for communities near highways and warehouses. Expanded inland operations may lower local pollution in areas with heavy truck traffic.
Practical applications for residents
Immediate effects could include job listings for technicians and drivers with EV and hydrogen skills. Long term, residents may see better air quality and opportunities for vocational programs tailored to new vehicle technologies.
Source links
- Comvoy: 4 Gen Logistics — Leading the charge towards zero‑emission freight
- Electrek: Setting the standard — 4 Gen Logistics to reach 100% ZEV goal in 2025
- Duncan & Sons / 4 Gen: Company announcement on zero‑emission drayage
- DSLLog blog: 4 Gen Logistics takes stride toward 100% zero‑tailpipe emissions
- 4 Gen: Vision for a 100% emission‑free fleet
