Seattle Announces $1.5M in funding to help bring new electric drayage trucks to the region. Picture provided by Zeem Solutions. The City of Seattle today announced $1.5 million in truck purchasing incentives to Zeem Solutions (Zeem), a business leader in designing, building, and operating electric vehicle charging depots for commercial fleets. Zeem has partnered with local truck companies to bring to market 12 new electric Class 8 trucks that will primarily serve the Port of Seattle. Diesel drayage trucks contribute significantly to air pollution, disproportionately impacting communities along freight corridors in the Duwamish Valley.
“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 Harrell, City of Seattle. “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.”
The City’s Heavy Duty Electric Trucks pilot initially launched in 2023 with over 140 drivers filling out interest forms and 11 drivers applying for the $180,000 incentive. Through interviews with applicants, OSE heard from drivers that the available funding was not enough to offset the sizeable costs of electric trucks, which can cost more than $500,000, and involve additional costs such as charging infrastructure and higher insurance.
Ultimately, the drivers’ insights helped shape a new approach, and the City developed the partnership with Zeem Solutions, which offers turnkey electric vehicle solutions to commercial fleets, to distribute funding to local drayage operators, including Jet City Trucking LLC and Ephrata Trucking LLC.
“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. “Through our partnership with the City of Seattle we can help small fleet operators tap into funding opportunities and overcome the upfront cost barrier to electrification. 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.”
The City of Seattle has pursued an approach that centers equity to ensure a just transition for truck drivers, particularly independent owner-operators, who are critical to our region’s supply chain and who bear disproportionate environmental and economic burdens.
“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 Tracey Whitten, Transportation Policy Manager, OSE. “We will continue working with partners to expand access to funding, infrastructure, and business models that empower drivers while also bringing cleaner air, quieter streets, and healthier neighborhoods to the frontline communities who have long carried the burden of diesel pollution.”
In July, the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) granted $5.12M to Zeem Solutions to develop a commercial fleet charging depot in SeaTac, WA, and enable six fleet operations to deploy Class 8 trucks at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The SeaTac Depot will enable 250 vehicles to charge per day, with parking capacity for 70 vehicles overnight. The SeaTac Depot will be completed by early 2026 and Zeem is working closely with Puget Sound Energy to access 7.5MW of capacity at the site.
This announcement builds upon the NWSA’s investment, as Jet City and Ephrata are two of the six fleet operators awarded funding through the NWSA’s program. They are expected to have their vehicles in operation and charging at the SeaTac Depot by the end of 2026. Together, these efforts will make it possible for multiple fleet operators to bring new battery-electric trucks into service while also building the charging infrastructure needed to keep them on the road.
Funding for this investment comes from the Payroll Expense Tax and supported by the Green New Deal Oversight Board, an advisory board that develops budget and policy recommendations for environmental initiatives in partnership with communities and subject matter experts.
On September 24, Seattle’s Heavy Duty Electric Trucks Pilot received an “honorable mention” at the Climate Mayors Electric Innovation Awards. With this award, Seattle joins a global group of cities at the forefront of transportation electrification.
What Others Are Saying:
“Western Washington Clean Cities is proud to partner with the City of Seattle, Zeem Solutions, and their fleet partners on the Heavy Duty Electric Trucks Pilot. This project demonstrates how fleets can leverage grants and incentives to accelerate their transition to zero-emission technologies, cutting harmful NOx and PM2.5 pollution in communities most impacted by freight.”
Spencer Bienstock, Grant Manager & Sustainability Analyst, Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition
“This Zero Emissions Trucks pilot is a bold step toward cleaner air and healthier neighborhoods — especially in communities like the Duwamish Valley that have long borne the brunt of freight pollution. Developed in partnership with community leaders and advanced through the Green New Deal Oversight Board’s recommendations, the pilot shows how targeted investments in clean technology can deliver real climate benefits while supporting local jobs in transportation, logistics, and infrastructure.”
Emily Pinckney, Co-Chair, City of Seattle Green New Deal Oversight Board
“As someone who has walked alongside African truck drivers for many years, I know how important this moment is. Clean trucks mean cleaner air for our families, less cost for drivers, and a chance to be part of the future of transportation. Through the partnership between ACCPNW and the City of Seattle, this pilot was shaped by the voices and experiences of our community. We are proud this collaboration is bringing opportunity to local fleets here in Seattle, and proud to stand with our community as we move toward a healthier port and a better tomorrow.”
Peter Gishuru, CEO, African Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest
“Drayage trucks remain one of the largest sources of localized air pollution in port-adjacent communities like the Duwamish Valley, where residents face life spans up to 10 years shorter than in other parts of Seattle due to cumulative environmental impacts. This Green New Deal investment is a critical step toward reversing those disparities by reducing diesel pollution at the source. We’re proud to support the City’s Electric Trucks Pilot and the continued push for bold, equitable solutions that prioritize the health of frontline communities.”
Paulina Lopez, Executive Director- Duwamish River Community Coalition
“Seattle is positioned as a global leader in clean energy. This is a perfect example of how one of the largest economic drivers for the region, like the Port of Seattle, can partner with the City to help grow and propel our clean energy sector.”
Markham McIntyre, Director, Seattle Office of Economic Development
“Seattle is demonstrating true climate leadership with its innovative electric truck incentives. Mayor Harrell is putting public health and equity first, directly reducing toxic diesel exposure for port-adjacent communities, creating jobs in the green economy, and setting a model for other U.S. cities. By taking trucks off the fossil-fuel track, this program also powerfully complements Seattle’s Low-Pollution Neighborhoods initiative, making Seattle a cleaner, healthier, and safer city for residents, from streets to the port.”
Kate Johnson, North America Regional Director, C40 Cities
“When we launched our zero-emission drayage incentive program in July, we knew it would take many people and partners to accomplish our vision. We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Seattle and Zeem Solutions, and the strong City investment in the Duwamish Valley and in Seattle’s air quality.”
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa
“The drayage drivers that serve The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s harbors are a crucial link of moving freight from our docks to the businesses and communities across our state. This investment from the City of Seattle supports these local businesses while creating a cleaner environment for the community.”
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President John McCarthy