The City of Seattle is providing $1.5 million in truck purchasing incentives to Zeem Solutions, a Los Angeles-based company that is helping to electrify fleets serving the Port of Seattle.
Zeem has partnered with Jet City Trucking LLC and Ephrata Trucking LLC to incorporate 12 new electric drayage trucks — a type of heavy-duty Class 8 truck used to transport freight over short distances — primarily at the port.
The city launched a Heavy Duty Electric Trucks pilot in 2023 and ultimately developed the partnership with Zeem, which offers turnkey electric vehicle solutions to commercial fleets, including charging infrastructure and funding distribution to local drayage operators.
The new funding follows $5.12 million that was granted to Zeem by the Northwest Seaport Alliance in July to develop a commercial fleet charging depot in SeaTac, Wash., and enable six fleet operators to deploy trucks at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. The SeaTac Depot, which will be completed in early 2026, will enable 250 vehicles to charge per day, with parking capacity for 70 vehicles overnight.
Jet City and Ephrata are expected to have their vehicles in operation and charging at the SeaTac Depot by the end of 2026.
“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 Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell in a news release. “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.”