Seattle Invests $1.5 Million to Launch Electric Truck Pilot At Port of Seattle

The City of Seattle has announced $1.5 million in new funding to support the deployment of 12 electric drayage trucks, a move aimed at reducing air pollution in port-adjacent neighborhoods like the Duwamish Valley. The investment will help transition local trucking fleets from diesel to electric through a partnership with Zeem Solutions, a company that provides turnkey electric vehicle solutions for commercial fleets.

 “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,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Through the Heavy Duty Electric Trucks Pilot, we’re investing in the technology that will ultimately reduce emissions in frontline communities while also supporting drivers to ensure they have real opportunities in the zero-emission economy.”

Drayage trucks — heavy-duty vehicles that move freight short distances — are among the largest sources of local air pollution. Communities along freight corridors, particularly in the Duwamish Valley, face higher rates of respiratory illness and significantly shorter life expectancies due to cumulative environmental exposure.

Initially launched in 2023, the City’s pilot program received feedback from more than 140 drivers and applicants who said the original $180,000 incentive fell short of offsetting the cost of an electric truck, which can exceed $500,000. Those insights prompted the City to shift strategy and partner with Zeem Solutions to make electric vehicle adoption more feasible by bundling vehicles, charging infrastructure, and support services.

 “We are thankful to the City of Seattle for helping the region adopt electric trucks and their strong commitment to electrifying the Seattle-Tacoma cargo gateways,” said Paul Gioupis, founder and CEO of Zeem Solutions. “By bundling charging, vehicles, and support services, Zeem makes it practical for all operators to transition to EVs and realize both economic and environmental benefits.”

 Zeem is partnering with local operators including Jet City Trucking LLC and Ephrata Trucking LLC, both of which are expected to have their new trucks in operation by the end of 2026. These vehicles will charge at a new commercial depot in SeaTac, funded in part by a $5.12 million grant from the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The depot, currently under development, will support up to 250 vehicles per day and include overnight parking for 70 trucks. Completion is expected in early 2026.

Peter Gishuru, CEO of the African Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest, said the program represents a community-driven solution.

“Clean trucks mean cleaner air for our families, less cost for drivers, and a chance to be part of the future of transportation,” Gishuru said. “Through the partnership between ACCPNW and the City of Seattle, this pilot was shaped by the voices and experiences of our community.”

Funding for Seattle’s electric truck initiative comes from the City’s Payroll Expense Tax and is guided by recommendations from the Green New Deal Oversight Board. Additional financial support is expected from a forthcoming Washington State program that will offer up to $120,000 in vouchers for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.

“Drayage trucks remain one of the largest sources of localized air pollution in port-adjacent communities like the Duwamish Valley,” said Paulina Lopez, Executive Director of the Duwamish River Community Coalition. “This Green New Deal investment is a critical step toward reversing those disparities by reducing diesel pollution at the source.”

Tracey Whitten, transportation policy manager for the Office of Sustainability and Environment, said the pilot lays the groundwork for a broader shift to electric freight.

“This is just the beginning: with more than 5,000 trucks serving our local ports, it will be critical to ensure that electrification efforts expand quickly — turning today’s pilot projects into a broader movement,” said Whitten.