SDG&E and Bali Express forge path to
zero emissions freight transport
Video and Pictures Here
SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas
& Electric (SDG&E) and Bali Express today announced the
historic crossing of a Class 8 heavy-duty electric freight truck
from the U.S. into Mexico. The
semi-truck made its maiden voyage into Mexico, marking a significant milestone as the
binational region moves towards a net-zero future.
These dedicated trucks will utilize recently built charging
infrastructure installed by SDG&E designed to provide reliable
and accessible charging options for medium- to heavy-duty electric
freight trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Today marks a historic milestone in our journey toward reducing
emissions and paving the way for a cleaner energy future," said
Caroline Winn, Chief Executive
Officer at SDG&E. "This new electric corridor is a great
example of how collaboration can create new and innovative ways to
rethink how to propel our transportation systems towards
electrification."
Juan Baez, owner of the
San Diego-based Bali Express
emphasized the importance of working together in achieving
sustainability goals.
"We are thrilled to be working with SDG&E in this historic
endeavor," said Baez. "By adding electric freight trucks, we are
not only reducing our carbon footprint but also leading the way
towards a more sustainable future for freight transportation on
both sides of the border. We're proud to be a leader in this
transition and excited about the first ever crossing."
"The historic crossing of this electric freight truck symbolizes
San Diego's commitment to
innovation, cross-border cooperation and our binational
community," said City of San Diego
Mayor Todd Gloria. "We're not just
reducing emissions; we're building a cleaner future for the people
who live near our border and leading the way on international trade
and environmental responsibility."
The chargers were partially funded by a $200,000 grant through the California Energy
Commission's Clean Transportation Program – which has provided
more than $1 billion to alternative
fuel and vehicle technology projects that are designed to deliver
health, environmental and economic benefits to communities.
"To accommodate the transition to zero-emission trucks on both
sides of the border, it's critically important we have the
necessary infrastructure," said California Energy Commissioner
Patty Monahan. "The California
Energy Commission is helping fund projects across the state to
build a better and more equitable charging infrastructure system
for both cars and trucks."
San Diego County Board of
Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas –
who is Governor Newsom's appointee to the California Air Resources
Board - emphasized the importance of reducing emissions in border
communities while also growing our economy.
"As a fronteriza, I am thrilled that we're moving forward with
the use of bold and innovative energy technology that helps reduce
air pollution, offers sustainable cross-border freight
transportation, and strengthens our binational and interdependent
economy," said Vargas. "I know the binational region firsthand, and
this is a great example of the kind of public-private partnerships
can improve air quality and promote economic prosperity for the
binational region. As the Supervisor for border communities, I am
proud and excited that we are moving toward a cleaner, greener and
more prosperous future."
The electric charging infrastructure is a part of
SDG&E's Power Your Drive for Fleets program. The program
connects fleet operators with resources and financial incentives to
easily and cost-effectively design and install charging
infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty fleets.
About SDG&E:
SDG&E is an innovative
energy delivery company that provides increasingly clean, safe and
reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in
San Diego and southern
Orange counties. The company is
committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy
delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the
adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative
technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's
infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary
of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or
connect with SDG&E on X (formerly Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram
(@SDGE) and Facebook.
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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)