The Port of San Diego has approved Skycharger’s new Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub, a major step forward for clean transport infrastructure in Southern California. The project will combine solar power, battery storage, and 70 charging ports to support the region’s growing electric truck fleets.
San Diego Port Board Gives Green Light
The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has certified the Environmental Impact Report and authorized a Coastal Development Permit for Skycharger’s Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub. This approval allows Skychargers, LLC to move forward with development on a 4.8 acre site near the National City Marine Terminal.
The facility is designed to support local trucking fleets with 70 charging ports offering a range of output levels for both opportunity and overnight charging. Power will be supplied by both the local utility, SDG&E, and an on-site 1,719-kW solar array.
Solar Power and Battery Storage for Resilience
A key feature of the project is its integration of renewable energy and battery storage. The 1,719-kW solar array will be paired with a 1.9 MW/7.8 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), designed to keep electricity costs low and ensure reliable operation for fleet customers.
This combination is intended to provide operational resilience and help reduce reliance on grid power during peak periods.
Trucking as a Service: Flexible Fleet Solutions
Skycharger is also introducing a Trucking as a Service (TaaS) program, offering flexible options for operators to deploy zero-emission trucks. The TaaS model includes a 90-day ‘try before you buy’ ultra short-term lease and a five-year path to ownership.
This approach aims to lower barriers for fleet managers by reducing upfront capital requirements and providing a pathway to long-term electrification.
Competitor Comparison
Skycharger’s TaaS program is similar to offerings from companies like Zeem, which also provide flexible leasing and charging solutions for electric truck fleets in California. Both companies focus on reducing the financial and operational hurdles for logistics operators transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
Historical Context
In 2024, Skycharger invested over $10M (~AUD 14M) in EV infrastructure, completing seven projects and adding more than 170 charging ports. The new San Diego hub represents the company’s largest project to date and builds on its experience in deploying large-scale charging solutions.
Regional Availability
The Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub will serve fleets operating in and around the Port of San Diego, a key logistics hub for Southern California. The project supports the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which aims to reduce emissions from port and industrial operations.
Why this matters
The approval of Skycharger’s electric truck hub marks a significant investment in clean transport infrastructure for one of the busiest logistics regions in California. By combining solar power, battery storage, and flexible leasing, the project addresses both environmental and economic challenges faced by fleet operators.
This initiative also aligns with broader efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions in port communities, supporting public health and sustainable economic growth.
What this means for buyers
Fleet operators in the San Diego region will soon have access to a major new charging facility, making it easier to adopt electric trucks without large upfront investments. The TaaS program offers a flexible entry point for companies considering the switch to zero-emission vehicles.
Buyers should monitor the project’s progress and evaluate how Skycharger’s offerings compare to other service providers in the region, especially if they are planning to electrify their fleets in the near future.
Key Specs
- Site Area: 4.8 acres
- Charging Ports: 70 (varied output levels)
- Solar Array: 1,719 kW
- Battery Storage: 1.9 MW / 7.8 MWh
- TaaS Lease Program: 90-day trial, five-year path to ownership
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, porttechnology.org
