- Published on
Skycharger solar + electric semi truck project gets green light in San Diego
- Authors
- Name
- DeepHorus
The Port of San Diego has approved a major new solar and electric semi-truck charging hub, marking a significant step in regional efforts to decarbonize port logistics. The Port Board of Port Commissioners certified the project's Environmental Impact Report and authorized a Coastal Development Permit, officially green-lighting the facility's construction.
The proposed Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub, developed by Skycharger, LLC, will be built on a 4.8-acre site near the National City Marine Terminal. The facility aims to make fleet electrification more accessible, affordable, and resilient for the area's port and logistics operators.
The hub will feature 70 charging ports of varying power levels to support both opportunity and overnight charging. Power will be supplied by SDG&E and a substantial on-site renewable energy system, including a 1,719-kW solar array and a 1.9 MW/7.8 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This combination is designed to minimize electricity costs and ensure operational resilience during grid disruptions.
Port officials emphasized the project's public health and environmental benefits. "Projects like this reflect our continued commitment to cleaner air and a healthier San Diego Bay," stated Port Board Chairperson Ann Moore. The facility directly supports the Port's Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), which seeks to reduce diesel pollution from maritime and industrial operations.
Skycharger is also introducing a Trucking as a Service (TaaS) model to lower barriers for fleet adoption. This program includes a 90-day short-term lease and a five-year path to ownership, helping operators transition to zero-emission trucks without massive upfront capital investments.
Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab, M.D., called the project "an investment in the public health of our community" and praised community engagement in shaping the development. The Port has authorized staff to sign a non-binding term sheet, advancing lease negotiations.
Looking ahead, the Skycharger hub represents a practical blueprint for integrating renewable energy with heavy-duty transport infrastructure. Its success could inform similar electrification projects at ports and logistics hubs nationwide, accelerating the shift to cleaner freight movement.
