Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub at the Port of San Diego

Charging medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks for cleaner air and stronger communities

Project summary

The Skycharger Hub in National City, CA will be a groundbreaking electric truck charging station. It’s designed to accelerate California’s clean freight transition by enabling widespread adoption of electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks—while also supporting port operations, regional air quality, economic opportunity, and environmental justice.

This flagship project aligns with the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy. It introduces Skycharger’s innovative Trucking-as-a-Service (TaaS) model, making fleet electrification easier, more affordable, and accessible to all.

Project summary

What's included

Up to 70 medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks charged simultaneously

24/7 secure, well-lit charging and parking, including secure overnight charging for 46 electric trucks

Convenience Store

1.7 MW on-site solar canopy and battery storage system for grid resiliency, energy independence, and  reduced reliance on peak grid power

Solar and battery systems will be fully compliant with fire protection standards and safety codes

Public green space and shaded picnic areas

Secure fencing, lighting, landscaping, and on-site staff

What's Included

Project steps

  1. Initiate community stakeholder input
  2. Further project design
  3. Continue utility engagement
  4. We are here→ Complete CEQA/Environmental Impact Report process
  5. Finalize project design
  6. Finalize agreement with Port
  7. Receive permitting approval
  8. Complete utility interconnection agreement
  9. Finalize TaaS program offering and sign up truckers
  10. Project construction
  11. Utility interconnection
  12. Commercial operation

Project Steps

Community benefits

This project is about more than electrifying trucks — it’s about improving quality of life in National City and surrounding portside neighborhoods. Cleaner air, local jobs, educational investment, and green space are just the start.

Immediate investments

Immediate investments

• Hiring local labor for construction and operations

• Workforce training in solar, electrical, and EV technologies

Immediate investments

Ongoing investments

Creation of a community fund in collaboration with local stakeholders to support community betterment projects on an annual basis.

Ongoing investments

Environmental + health benefits

• Cleaner air

• Reduced diesel emissions

• Lower noise pollution

• Added green space and public amenities

Environmental + health benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental Benefits and Impacts

What are the environmental benefits & impacts?

This project will improve local air quality, lower traffic noise, create some small green space, and have minimal light pollution.

What are the environmental benefits & impacts?

This project will improve local air quality, lower traffic noise, create some small green space, and have minimal light pollution.

What are the environmental benefits & impacts?

This project will improve local air quality, lower traffic noise, create some small green space, and have minimal light pollution.

How will this project affect local air quality?

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 directly downwind , including residents of National City . Di esel 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.

How will this project affect local air quality?

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 directly downwind , including residents of National City . Di esel 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.

How will this project affect local air quality?

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 directly downwind , including residents of National City . Di esel 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.

How will this project affect noise in the area?

Electric trucks are quieter than diesel trucks, with a typical electric truck , producing approximately 33% less noise. An increase of just a few decibels can be perceived as twice as loud.

How will this project affect noise in the area?

Electric trucks are quieter than diesel trucks, with a typical electric truck , producing approximately 33% less noise. An increase of just a few decibels can be perceived as twice as loud.

How will this project affect noise in the area?

Electric trucks are quieter than diesel trucks, with a typical electric truck , producing approximately 33% less noise. An increase of just a few decibels can be perceived as twice as loud.

Harm ro local green spaces or waterways?

No, the project will actually add green space. The site is currently fully paved, and the design includes a section of green space as well as an outdoor picnic area.

Harm ro local green spaces or waterways?

No, the project will actually add green space. The site is currently fully paved, and the design includes a section of green space as well as an outdoor picnic area.

Harm ro local green spaces or waterways?

No, the project will actually add green space. The site is currently fully paved, and the design includes a section of green space as well as an outdoor picnic area.

Will the truck stop cause light pollution?

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.

Will the truck stop cause light pollution?

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.

Will the truck stop cause light pollution?

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.

Traffic and Infrastructure

Will the truck stop increase local truck traffic?

The eHub is located on Tidelands Ave., along an existing port - serving truck route. The project is designed to primarily serve existing truck traffic, where diesel trucks are replaced by electric trucks. Trucks that charge overnight will remain on Port property, ra ther than being driven home through residential neighborhoods. The project will collaborate with traffic engineers and local authorities to implement road safety measures, including improved signage and pedestrian safety features. The eHub will featur e d edicated entry and exit points for easy access.

Will the truck stop increase local truck traffic?

The eHub is located on Tidelands Ave., along an existing port - serving truck route. The project is designed to primarily serve existing truck traffic, where diesel trucks are replaced by electric trucks. Trucks that charge overnight will remain on Port property, ra ther than being driven home through residential neighborhoods. The project will collaborate with traffic engineers and local authorities to implement road safety measures, including improved signage and pedestrian safety features. The eHub will featur e d edicated entry and exit points for easy access.

Will the truck stop increase local truck traffic?

The eHub is located on Tidelands Ave., along an existing port - serving truck route. The project is designed to primarily serve existing truck traffic, where diesel trucks are replaced by electric trucks. Trucks that charge overnight will remain on Port property, ra ther than being driven home through residential neighborhoods. The project will collaborate with traffic engineers and local authorities to implement road safety measures, including improved signage and pedestrian safety features. The eHub will featur e d edicated entry and exit points for easy access.

Will this cause more wear and tear on local roads?

Federal law limits the maximum weight of trucks to 80,000 pounds for heavy-duty trucks. So while the tractor portion of a truck is heavier than diesel trucks, the total weight including payload (freight) is the same. Studies show that electric trucks do not cause significant additional road wear. Learn more: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4z94w3xr

Will this cause more wear and tear on local roads?

Federal law limits the maximum weight of trucks to 80,000 pounds for heavy-duty trucks. So while the tractor portion of a truck is heavier than diesel trucks, the total weight including payload (freight) is the same. Studies show that electric trucks do not cause significant additional road wear. Learn more: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4z94w3xr

Will this cause more wear and tear on local roads?

Federal law limits the maximum weight of trucks to 80,000 pounds for heavy-duty trucks. So while the tractor portion of a truck is heavier than diesel trucks, the total weight including payload (freight) is the same. Studies show that electric trucks do not cause significant additional road wear. Learn more: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4z94w3xr

How many trucks will use the eHub?

The truck stop is designed to accommodate 46 trucks overnight and features 24 charging ports available for use 24/7.

How many trucks will use the eHub?

The truck stop is designed to accommodate 46 trucks overnight and features 24 charging ports available for use 24/7.

How many trucks will use the eHub?

The truck stop is designed to accommodate 46 trucks overnight and features 24 charging ports available for use 24/7.

Will the truck stop be fully utilized once open?

Utilization is expected to ramp up over time as more electric trucks are adopted.

Will the truck stop be fully utilized once open?

Utilization is expected to ramp up over time as more electric trucks are adopted.

Will the truck stop be fully utilized once open?

Utilization is expected to ramp up over time as more electric trucks are adopted.

Aesthetic and Property Value Concerns

How might this affect property values in the area?

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, green space and picnic tables, creating a safe and inviting environment. 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. Learn more: https://cgs.umd.edu/news/home-values-increase-rise-ev-charging-stations

How might this affect property values in the area?

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, green space and picnic tables, creating a safe and inviting environment. 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. Learn more: https://cgs.umd.edu/news/home-values-increase-rise-ev-charging-stations

How might this affect property values in the area?

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, green space and picnic tables, creating a safe and inviting environment. 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. Learn more: https://cgs.umd.edu/news/home-values-increase-rise-ev-charging-stations

Social and Economic Impact

What are the economic benefits for the local community?

The EV truck stop will create dozens of new, well-paying jobs during construction and operations, including roles in construction, solar and battery storage, charging station maintenance, and retail. National City will benefit from added revenue through sales and property taxes, along with a one-time permit fee—supporting the city’s budget and local services. Skycharger and partners are committed to hiring locally, working with San Diego job training and apprenticeship programs in electrical work, solar, battery storage, and EV charging. The company will also contribute to a local fund supporting community causes.

What are the economic benefits for the local community?

The EV truck stop will create dozens of new, well-paying jobs during construction and operations, including roles in construction, solar and battery storage, charging station maintenance, and retail. National City will benefit from added revenue through sales and property taxes, along with a one-time permit fee—supporting the city’s budget and local services. Skycharger and partners are committed to hiring locally, working with San Diego job training and apprenticeship programs in electrical work, solar, battery storage, and EV charging. The company will also contribute to a local fund supporting community causes.

What are the economic benefits for the local community?

The EV truck stop will create dozens of new, well-paying jobs during construction and operations, including roles in construction, solar and battery storage, charging station maintenance, and retail. National City will benefit from added revenue through sales and property taxes, along with a one-time permit fee—supporting the city’s budget and local services. Skycharger and partners are committed to hiring locally, working with San Diego job training and apprenticeship programs in electrical work, solar, battery storage, and EV charging. The company will also contribute to a local fund supporting community causes.

Public Health and Safety

What are the health benefits?

Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate emissions of dangerous, dirty diesel pollutants such as PM 2.5 and Nox. This will significantly improve air quality, improving the health of portside communities.

What are the health benefits?

Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate emissions of dangerous, dirty diesel pollutants such as PM 2.5 and Nox. This will significantly improve air quality, improving the health of portside communities.

What are the health benefits?

Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate emissions of dangerous, dirty diesel pollutants such as PM 2.5 and Nox. This will significantly improve air quality, improving the health of portside communities.

What concerns exist regarding solar and battery storage?

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. Skycharger is working closely with the National City fire department and the project team to deploy state-of-the-art safety practices. Further, evolving battery technology makes it less likely for a fire to start, and the size of the battery installation is miniscule compared to other project sites that experienced fires using older technology.

What concerns exist regarding solar and battery storage?

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. Skycharger is working closely with the National City fire department and the project team to deploy state-of-the-art safety practices. Further, evolving battery technology makes it less likely for a fire to start, and the size of the battery installation is miniscule compared to other project sites that experienced fires using older technology.

What concerns exist regarding solar and battery storage?

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. Skycharger is working closely with the National City fire department and the project team to deploy state-of-the-art safety practices. Further, evolving battery technology makes it less likely for a fire to start, and the size of the battery installation is miniscule compared to other project sites that experienced fires using older technology.

What types of batteries are installed in my community?

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.

What types of batteries are installed in my community?

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.

What types of batteries are installed in my community?

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.

Are emergency services ready to handle battery fire risks?

Skycharger is developing an emergency response plan together with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, and the National City Fire Department.

Are emergency services ready to handle battery fire risks?

Skycharger is developing an emergency response plan together with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, and the National City Fire Department.

Are emergency services ready to handle battery fire risks?

Skycharger is developing an emergency response plan together with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, and the National City Fire Department.

Will the EV truck stop be open to the public?

Yes.

Will the EV truck stop be open to the public?

Yes.

Will the EV truck stop be open to the public?

Yes.

What safety/security measures are being taken?

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.

What safety/security measures are being taken?

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.

What safety/security measures are being taken?

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.

Energy Consumption and Resources

Will the local utility supply enough power for the project?

The project has been carefully planned in collaboration with San Diego Gas and Electric, which will be able to supply the necessary power. Skycharger is also adding solar and battery electric storage systems to reduce dependency on the grid and provide power to the trucks during peak load times.

Will the local utility supply enough power for the project?

The project has been carefully planned in collaboration with San Diego Gas and Electric, which will be able to supply the necessary power. Skycharger is also adding solar and battery electric storage systems to reduce dependency on the grid and provide power to the trucks during peak load times.

Will the local utility supply enough power for the project?

The project has been carefully planned in collaboration with San Diego Gas and Electric, which will be able to supply the necessary power. Skycharger is also adding solar and battery electric storage systems to reduce dependency on the grid and provide power to the trucks during peak load times.

Is the energy used by the EV truck stop sustainable?

Yes, power will be generated on-site and use a battery energy storage system, prioritizing this self-generated power. Any additional power needed will come from SDG&E. California’s significant investments in solar and wind power generation mean it has some of the cleanest energy in the nation.

Is the energy used by the EV truck stop sustainable?

Yes, power will be generated on-site and use a battery energy storage system, prioritizing this self-generated power. Any additional power needed will come from SDG&E. California’s significant investments in solar and wind power generation mean it has some of the cleanest energy in the nation.

Is the energy used by the EV truck stop sustainable?

Yes, power will be generated on-site and use a battery energy storage system, prioritizing this self-generated power. Any additional power needed will come from SDG&E. California’s significant investments in solar and wind power generation mean it has some of the cleanest energy in the nation.

Community Involvement and Transparency

What is Skycharger's community involvement?

Skycharger is committed to keeping the community informed and involved at every stage of this project. Skycharger will provide regular updates on this page to ensure transparency and address any concerns residents may have. You can email us at zevtruckhub@skycharger.com

What is Skycharger's community involvement?

Skycharger is committed to keeping the community informed and involved at every stage of this project. Skycharger will provide regular updates on this page to ensure transparency and address any concerns residents may have. You can email us at zevtruckhub@skycharger.com

What is Skycharger's community involvement?

Skycharger is committed to keeping the community informed and involved at every stage of this project. Skycharger will provide regular updates on this page to ensure transparency and address any concerns residents may have. You can email us at zevtruckhub@skycharger.com

Have questions?

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Planning for safety

Safety is integrated into every aspect of the project — from design and engineering to emergency response planning.

Led in collaboration with National City Fire Chief Sergio Mora and the National City Fire Department

Key Planning Elements

Immediate investments

• Joint site planning and safety reviews

• Emergency Response Plan developed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell

• Engagement with third-party experts in solar and battery safety best practices

• Fire code compliance and safety testing aligned with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards

Key Planning Elements

On-site Security

Immediate investments

• Controlled access, surveillance, and round-the-clock lighting

• On-site staff and support during most hours of operation


Safety for truckers, neighbors, and first responders is a top priority — and will remain central as this project moves forward.

On-site Security

Trucking-as-a-service

Electrifying a fleet can feel overwhelming. Skycharger’s Trucking-as-a-Service (TaaS) program removes those barriers and makes zero-emission trucking accessible, reliable, and scalable.

Bring your license — we’ll take care of the rest!

• A fully charged, operational electric truck ready each day

• No technology risk — we maintain and manage it

• No credit risk — we backstop financing

• A clear, affordable path to ownership

• Turnkey solutions for charging, energy, and logistics

Learn more about Skycharger trucking

In the News & Around the Community

Skycharger’s eHub project is already making an impact. From community events to local media coverage, here's a look at how the region is engaging with the future of clean freight.

KFMB-CBS 8 News
Electric truck charging hub proposed in National City, reducing air pollution

KNSD-NBC 7 News
New electric charging stations for trucks could be coming to National City

Voice of Sand Diego
South County Report: Keep On (Electric) Truckin’

San Diego Union Tribune
Developer proposing zero-emission, truck-charging hub in National City to host community meeting

San Diego Daily Transcript
Port planning electric truck charging hub in National City

San Diego Business Journal
National City EV Truck Charging Station Electrifies Port

Have your own photos or thoughts? We’d love to see them — email us at zevtruckhub@skycharger.com.

SOLUTIONS

Charging

Trucking

MORE

Customer Stories

News

TEAM

About

Contact us

Skycharger has built and managed EV charging infrastructure since 2013. With over 500 stations under management, we bring deep expertise in project financing and turnkey execution.

Website by Camille Matonis Creative

SOLUTIONS

Charging

Trucking

MORE

Customer Stories

News

TEAM

About

Contact us

Skycharger has built and managed EV charging infrastructure since 2013. With over 500 stations under management, we bring deep expertise in project financing and turnkey execution.

Website by Camille Matonis Creative

SOLUTIONS

Charging

Trucking

PROJECTS

Customer Stories

News

TEAM

About

Contact us

Skycharger has built and managed EV charging infrastructure since 2013. With over 500 stations under management, we bring deep expertise in project financing and turnkey execution.

Website by Camille Matonis Creative