Working Paper
Preparing for electric drayage trucks: Analysis of real-world operations in the Seattle-Tacoma port region
Drayage trucks, which transport goods between ports, rail yards, and warehouses, are critical to the global supply chain, but are often powered by diesel and natural gas and negatively impact the environment and public health of port-adjacent communities. The Seattle-Tacoma Region in Washington state, which is home to some of the busiest ports in the country, has implemented a variety of policies to support the transition to electric trucks.
This study analyzes the telematics data from 10 drayage trucks over 22 months, driver surveys from 31 operators and over 465,000 points of port terminal gate data from 5 major port terminals in the Seattle-Tacoma region to establish operational patterns, and develop representative drive cycles for vehicle simulation, and provide insights on fleet electrification planning.
The analysis reveals three distinct operational categories with substantially different daily distance requirements and infrastructure needs:
- Local: Characterized by 7-8 short daily trips within 40 miles of ports
Analysis of these routes raises questions of whether current battery technology combined with depot charging alone can meet operational needs. The predictable patterns and frequent returns to base facilities suggest this might be feasible, but detailed energy consumption and stop location analysis would be needed to confirm.
- Short-haul: Characterized by 8-10 trips daily, ranging 158-232 miles per day, 40-100 miles from ports
Analysis of these routes raises questions of whether current battery technology can suffice if supplemented by strategic opportunity charging. This pattern of activity suggests potential locations for public charging infrastructure, but the viability depends on both technical feasibility and operational integration.
- Regional: Characterized by 4-9 trips daily extending beyond 100 miles from ports
Analysis of these routes presents the most complex technical questions. These routes raise questions of whether a combination of en route charging and higher voltage batteries to accommodate megawatt charging could make electrification viability.
This study is the first part of a planned three-part series examining drayage truck electrification, technical feasibility, and total-cost of ownership in the Seattle-Tacoma port region. Together, these studies will provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and planning the transition to electric drayage trucks in the Seattle-Tacoma region and potentially other similar port areas.