The Switch-On project, administered by South Coast AQMD in partnership with Volvo, has deployed 70 Volvo Class 7 and 8 battery-electric trucks across eight Southern California freight fleets, with the final trucks placed into service last year. The project recently completed its data collection phase, offering valuable insights into the performance of battery-electric trucks in real-world freight operations.

Collectively, these 70 trucks have logged more than 1.9 million miles—primarily in the South Coast Air Basin communities most impacted by diesel emissions. By the end of the project period (2022–2025), most of the fleets were operating their battery-electric trucks at levels comparable to traditional diesel vehicles. A few fleets did not have diesel trucks in their fleets for the comparison.

Feedback from drivers and fleet managers underscores the benefits of this transition. Drivers reported smoother rides, less noise, and noticeable air quality improvements.

Many also found charging to be as convenient as refueling with diesel. Fleet managers highlighted energy savings and noted that consistent workforce training was critical to successful adoption.

At the same time, fleets identified challenges such as manufacturing delays, slower-than-expected installation of charging infrastructure, and limited driving range, which affected utilization for some operations. These lessons point to the importance of matching vehicle specifications to fleet needs, ensuring charging reliability, and providing ongoing driver training and support.

Over the three-year project period, these electric trucks collectively reduced 3.7 tons of nitrogen oxides, 12.3 pounds of fine particulate matter, and 3.7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by eliminating diesel fuel consumption.