Charging Provider Gears Up for First Site Opening in April.
Greenlane Infrastructure is set to become the first U.S. partner for Volvo Open Charge, a digital application designed to help electric truck drivers locate charging stations. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the expansion of commercial electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, ensuring that fleets transitioning to electric power have reliable charging options.
Greenlane is a joint venture formed by Daimler Truck North America, equity investor BlackRock, and renewable power supplier NextEra Energy. The partnership aims to develop and build extensive heavy-duty truck-charging infrastructure across the country. The agreement with Volvo, announced on April 2, reinforces this mission by integrating Greenlane’s charging network with Volvo Open Charge.
Volvo Trucks North America, which produces the VNR Electric a battery-electric version of its VNR Class 8 truck will allow customers using Volvo Open Charge to access Greenlane’s charging stations via the Volvo Connect fleet management system or the Truck Charging app. However, the Greenlane facilities will remain publicly accessible to other electric truck operators, ensuring a broad and inclusive charging network.
A Step Toward Zero-Emissions Freight Transportation
“Our partnership with Volvo is a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver public charging solutions tailored to the needs of medium- and heavy-duty fleets,” said Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO of Greenlane. “By streamlining the transition to electric fleets, we are providing a future-ready solution that keeps goods and services moving and drives meaningful progress toward zero-emissions freight transportation.”
The first Greenlane charging facility, set to open in April in Colton, California, will feature more than 40 publicly accessible chargers for heavy-, medium-, and light-duty battery-electric vehicles. Future expansions will follow along the Interstate 15 corridor, with planned locations in Long Beach, Barstow, and Baker. Ultimately, this corridor will extend 280 miles, linking Southern Nevada to Los Angeles, forming a critical charging backbone for electric trucking in the region.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Fleet Electrification
The Colton facility is strategically located near the Inland Empire, a major logistics hub in Southern California. This region is home to extensive warehousing operations and is in close proximity to key transportation hubs such as the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles International Airport. By providing robust charging options, Greenlane aims to alleviate range anxiety for fleet operators and support California’s ambitious zero-emissions goals.
Technology to Enhance Charging Efficiency
On March 11, Greenlane introduced a suite of technology solutions designed to support electric truck operators:
Greenlane Driver App: Offers real-time updates on charging station availability, enabling drivers to make reservations and manage slots booked by fleet managers.
Greenlane Fleet Portal: Empowers fleet managers and dispatchers to plan routes and manage charging schedules efficiently.
OnRamp APIs and a new website: Facilitate integration with existing fleet management systems, optimizing logistics and ensuring seamless operations.
“As heavy-duty transportation continues to electrify, we need to address fleet manager and driver pain points,” Macdonald-King emphasized. “One of our long-standing visions has been to create the truck stop of the future, which requires seamless planning, advanced logistics technology, and system connectivity through APIs.”
Future Expansion Plans
Greenlane’s long-term vision includes the development of a nationwide public charging network, catering to both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. By the end of 2025, the company expects to have up to 20 charging sites in various stages of development, significantly expanding charging access for commercial fleets across the country.
With electric truck adoption increasing, partnerships like the one between Greenlane and Volvo are crucial in driving sustainable freight transportation. By investing in high-speed, reliable charging infrastructure and smart technology solutions, Greenlane is paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future for logistics and supply chain operations.
