Skycharger eHub at Port of San Diego:
Servicing Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks for Cleaner Air, Stronger Communities
Community engagement is an ongoing process, and we are committed to gathering feedback and sharing updates regularly. As we continue to work with local stakeholders, this site will be progressively updated with the latest information and developments to ensure transparency and open communication.
Project Summary
The Skycharger eHub is set to revolutionize portside logistics by providing charging stations for up to 70 medium- to heavy-duty electric trucks. The project will include a convenience store and a microgrid featuring solar and storage. Truck electrification will reduce air pollutants, something that will help the Port achieve its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) goals.
Key Points
The project supports the Port’s MCAS initiative of lowering greenhouse gas emissions which improves air quality in surrounding communities.
On-site power generation will supplement power requirements and reduce grid reliance.
Innovative “Trucking as a Service” offering reduces technology adoption risk while providing a clear path to truck ownership for independent owner-operators and small fleet owners.
Immediate and long-term commitment to community investment. Skycharger is committed to hiring locally, providing scholarships and workforce training in the electric and solar trades and support of local artists. In addition, the company will create a fund that will work with local stakeholders to provide annual funding to community projects.
Project Steps
- Initiate community stakeholder input
- Further project design
- Continue utility engagement
- Complete CEQA study
- Launch trial TaaS program
- Continue community stakeholder input
- Finalize project design
- Finalize agreement with Port
- Receive permitting approval
- Complete utility interconnection agreement
- Continue community stakeholder input
- Finalize TaaS program offering and sign up truckers
- Project construction
- Utility interconnection
- Commercial operation
- Continue community stakeholder input
Environmental Benefits
Emissions Reduction – Cleaner Air
Truck electrification will reduce harmful emissions, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, and other fine particles that travel deep into the respiratory tract.
Driver Benefits
Should be Quieter driving experience with better acceleration.
Project Team
Port of San Diego
Maggie Weber
Principal, Strategic Planning, Government & Civic Relations
maweber@portofsandiego.org
Skycharger
Graham Richartz
Project Manager / Taas
graham.richartz@skycharger.com
Community Benefits
Anita López
Community Engagement Advisor
zevtruckhub@skycharger.com
Inquiry Form
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Port of San Diego e-Truck Hub Frequently Asked Questions
1. Environmental Impact
A: This project will improve local air quality, lower traffic noise, create some small green space, and have minimal light pollution.
A: Switching the truck fleet serving the port from diesel to electric will improve air quality both at the port and in surrounding communities, particularly those downwind. Diesel trucks emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, while electric trucks produce no emissions. The more trucks that transition to electric, the cleaner the air will be for local residents and the environment.
A: Electric trucks are quieter than diesel trucks, with a typical electric truck reaching 69 dB compared to 79 dB for a diesel truck. An increase of just a few decibels can be perceived as twice as loud.
A: No, the project will actually add green space. The site is currently fully paved, and our design includes a section of green space as well as an outdoor picnic area.
A: The truck stop will be well-lit with energy-efficient, downward-facing LED lights located beneath a solar canopy. The amount of light emitted from the site will be less than that of a typical streetlight.
2. Traffic and Infrastructure
A: We are engaging a third party to conduct a traffic study. Although electric trucks are heavier than diesel trucks, we do not expect them to cause significantly more wear and tear on local roads.
A: We do not anticipate that the truck stop will cause congestion on Tidelands Avenue. A third-party traffic study will identify potential chokepoints and help minimize traffic impacts in the surrounding neighborhood.
A: We will collaborate with traffic engineers and local authorities to implement road safety measures, including improved signage and pedestrian safety features. The truck stop is designed to minimize disruptions on Tidelands Avenue, featuring dedicated entry and exit points for easy access.
A: While electric trucks are heavier than diesel trucks, federal law limits the maximum payload to 80,000 pounds for tractor-trailer combinations. Studies show that electric trucks do not cause significant additional road wear. University of California Institute of Transportation Studies
A: The truck stop is designed to accommodate 46 trucks overnight and features 24 charging ports available for use 24/7.
A: We expect utilization to ramp up over time as more electric trucks are adopted.
3. Aesthetic and Property Value Concerns
A: The project is expected to enhance property values for surrounding businesses and local communities due to cleaner air. Skycharger will invest millions to transform the current open parking lot on Tidelands Avenue—currently surrounded by industrial buildings and featuring a chain-link fence—into a clean, well-lit truck stop and convenience store. This new development will incorporate landscaping, murals from local artists, green space, and picnic tables, creating a safe and inviting environment.
Additionally, EV infrastructure is viewed as a positive development that reflects a forward-thinking, sustainable community. Studies indicate that areas embracing green technology and cleaner energy tend to see improved property values over time. University of Maryland School of Public Policy Study
4. Social and Economic Impact
A: Creating new jobs: The EV truck stop will create new jobs during construction and for ongoing operations. This includes roles in project construction, solar and battery storage management, charging station maintenance, and retail operations.
Increased revenue for National City: National City will benefit from increased revenue through sales and property taxes, as well as a one-time permit fee. This financial support will enhance the city’s budget and local services.
Community benefits – We hire local: Skycharger and its partners are committed to hiring local labor and artists for the project and will establish a job training program that includes training in electrical work, solar technology, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. Additionally, the company will contribute to a donor-advised fund to support local causes in the community.
A: There are very few local businesses in the vicinity of the truck stop, and we expect minimal disruption to those businesses during both construction and operation. We will actively work with them to further minimize any disruptions during the construction phase.
5. Public Health and Safety
A: Replacing diesel trucks with electric ones will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, benefiting the health of neighboring communities.
A: Electric trucks emit no greenhouse gasses. This project supports the acceleration of truck electrification, which will improve air quality and benefit public health.
A: While electricity can be dangerous, the installation of solar and battery systems is highly regulated. Recent battery storage fires in Southern California have raised safety concerns, particularly regarding lithium-ion batteries.
A: Lithium-ion battery fires are dangerous due to their energy concentration and the release of toxic gases, often caused by manufacturing defects or overheating.
A: There are two types of batteries becoming more common in communities: electric vehicles, which function as mobile batteries, and stationary battery storage systems. In California, there are 2 million registered battery electric vehicles and nearly 200,000 stationary batteries installed.
In National City, over 1,500 battery electric vehicles are registered. As of September 1, 2024, there are more than 190 stationary batteries in the area, including battery electric storage systems at 13 commercial sites and one utility-scale installation. The remainder of the installations are located in residential properties.
A: Because lithium-ion batteries are found in mobile phones, scooters, electric bikes, cars, battery electric storage systems, and other devices, lithium-ion battery fires have become more frequent in recent years. First responders receive training to handle these types of fires. Skycharger is committed to working with local first responders to ensure they have the best equipment available for firefighting.
A: The site will be fenced and well-lit, equipped with security cameras throughout. Additionally, there will be employees on-site nearly all the time to ensure safety.
6. Energy Consumption and Resources
A: The project has been carefully planned in collaboration with San Diego Gas and Electric, which will be able to supply the necessary power. We are also adding solar and battery electric storage systems to reduce our dependence on the grid and provide power to the trucks during peak load times.
A: Yes, we will generate power on-site and use a battery electric storage system, prioritizing this self-generated power. Any additional power needed will come from the electric utility. California’s significant investments in solar and wind power generation mean it has some of the cleanest energy in the nation.
7. Community Involvement and Transparency
A: We are committed to keeping the community informed and involved at every stage of this project. We will hold public meetings and provide regular updates to ensure transparency and address any reasonable concerns residents may have. You can sign up on our website to receive notices of upcoming meetings and project updates.