Seattle Invests in Zero-Emission Future for Port Trucking

In a significant step toward cleaner transportation, the City of Seattle is providing $1.5 million to help transition commercial trucks at the Port of Seattle from diesel to electric power. This investment, announced in October 2025, partners with Zeem Solutions to bring zero-emission vehicles to one of the city’s most polluted areas. The funding represents Seattle’s commitment to both environmental justice and economic prosperity, creating a model for how industrial hubs can reduce emissions while maintaining vital economic activity.

The partnership focuses specifically on electrifying “drayage trucks” – the heavy-duty Class 8 vehicles that transport freight over short distances to and from the port. Zeem Solutions, based in Los Angeles but expanding its footprint in the Pacific Northwest, will work directly with local trucking companies Jet City Trucking LLC and Ephrata Trucking LLC to incorporate 12 new electric trucks into their operations. The program provides not just vehicles but the complete infrastructure needed for successful electrification, addressing one of the most significant barriers to adoption. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell highlighted the dual benefits, noting that “Seattle’s port is the backbone of our economy, but diesel drayage trucks that transport goods are some of the Duwamish Valley neighborhoods’ heaviest polluters.” Through this pilot program, the city aims to reduce emissions in these frontline communities while supporting drivers in the transition to a zero-emission economy.

This latest funding builds upon a larger regional investment in transportation electrification. Earlier in July 2025, the Northwest Seaport Alliance granted Zeem $5.12 million to develop a commercial fleet charging depot in SeaTac, Washington. This facility, scheduled for completion in early 2026, represents a significant advancement in electric vehicle infrastructure. The SeaTac Depot will have the capacity to charge 250 vehicles daily and provide overnight parking for 70 vehicles, creating a hub that can serve multiple fleet operators working at both the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Zeem’s approach offers a turnkey solution for commercial fleets, handling everything from vehicle acquisition to charging infrastructure and maintenance, removing many of the complexities that have traditionally slowed electrification efforts in heavy-duty transportation.

The transition to electric drayage trucks addresses a critical environmental justice concern in Seattle. The Duwamish Valley, where the port operates, has historically shouldered a disproportionate pollution burden from industrial activities, including transportation emissions. Diesel exhaust contains numerous harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risks among residents living near freight corridors. By electrifying these short-haul trips, the program targets one of the most concentrated sources of local air pollution. Electric trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions and operate more quietly than their diesel counterparts, immediately improving conditions in surrounding neighborhoods while contributing to the region’s broader climate goals.

For the trucking companies involved, this transition offers both challenges and opportunities. Jet City and Ephrata Trucking are expected to have their new electric vehicles in operation by the end of 2026, using the SeaTac Depot for charging needs. The shift requires adaptation from drivers accustomed to diesel vehicles, with different operational considerations around range, charging times, and vehicle handling. However, electric trucks typically have lower operational costs over time, with fewer moving parts requiring maintenance and no fuel costs. The program’s structure helps ease the transition by providing not just funding for vehicle purchases but also support for infrastructure and operational adjustments, creating a pathway for these local businesses to participate in the growing green economy.

Seattle’s Heavy Duty Electric Trucks pilot, launched in 2023, represents a collaborative approach to decarbonizing one of the hardest-to-electrify sectors of transportation. While passenger vehicle electrification has accelerated rapidly, commercial trucking has faced higher barriers due to vehicle costs, limited model availability, charging infrastructure needs, and operational demands. By bringing together city government, port authorities, technology providers like Zeem, and local trucking companies, the initiative creates a framework that could be replicated in other industrial centers. The focus on both environmental improvement and economic opportunity acknowledges that sustainable transitions must work for all stakeholders, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the industries being transformed. As these electric trucks begin operating along Seattle’s waterfront in the coming years, they will serve as visible evidence of how industrial activities can evolve to protect both community health and economic vitality.