$250M Grant Sparks I-95 EV Charging Network for Heavy-Duty Trucks 🚚

450 chargers planned for one of America’s busiest trucking routes

Help Us Build Our Next Big Thing!

Hey there Hustle Fam,

This Thanksgiving, we cover the $250M EPA-backed project to build an electric truck charging network along I-95. Discover how this initiative aims to reduce emissions, create jobs, and transform East Coast freight transportation. 💪

Catch the latest highlights in today's newsletter, featuring: 📋

  • Powering the I-95 Corridor: $250M Investment in EV Truck Chargers.🔌

  • Free Downloadable Resource: Top Questions to Ask Before Investing in EV Fleet Technology.❓

  • Case Study: EV Charging Stations 101: Building a Sustainable Business.🍀

  • Meme of the Week. 😂

Hustle of the Week

East Coast Goes Electric: I-95 EV Charging Network Secures $250M Funding💲

This Thanksgiving, as families and friends come together to share meals and express gratitude, we’re reminded of the values that unite us—community, resilience, and hope for the future. It’s a time to reflect not only on personal blessings but also on the collective progress we’ve made as a society. From acts of kindness to transformative innovations, Thanksgiving serves as a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. This year, there’s even more to celebrate beyond our tables.

The East Coast is set to lead the charge in sustainable freight transport with a $250 million boost from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The funding has been awarded to the Clean Corridor Coalition, a partnership between New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland, to establish a network of electric truck charging stations along the heavily trafficked I-95 corridor.

This groundbreaking project will create 24 charging sites equipped with 450 charging ports strategically placed to support medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks. By 2050, the initiative is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 18.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, advancing both environmental and public health goals.

Beyond sustainability, the project offers economic opportunities. Training programs will prepare 400 workers, with a focus on low-income and underserved communities, for jobs in this growing sector. Public outreach is set to begin in January, with construction awards planned for 2026.

This development aligns with federal zero-emission targets, aiming for 30% of medium- and heavy-duty truck sales to be electric by 2030, and 100% by 2040. However, hurdles such as high vehicle costs, limited range, and a relatively small initial charging network remain challenges for widespread adoption.

As I-95 becomes a testing ground for green freight, the project’s success could inspire similar initiatives nationwide, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient trucking industry.

Investing in electric vehicle technology for your trucking fleet is a big decision with long-term implications for your operations and profitability. Before taking the plunge, here are the key questions you should ask to ensure you're making the right choice. 🤓

Hustle Case Files

How to Build and Operate an EV Charging Network⚡️

With the electric vehicle revolution transforming the automotive industry, EV charging stations have emerged as a lucrative business opportunity. This case study explores the essential steps and considerations for starting an EV charging station business, based on expert insights and industry trends.

The Opportunity

As governments push for alternatives to fossil fuels, and EV adoption grows, there is an increasing demand for accessible charging infrastructure. Offering a combination of environmental benefits and steady revenue streams, the EV charging business is a timely venture for forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

Key Considerations for Starting an EV Charging Station

1. Understanding the Market

  • Growth Trends: By 2030, there will be an estimated 18.7 million EVs on U.S. roads, creating a significant need for charging infrastructure.

  • Consumer Behavior: EV owners require both home and public charging solutions, making location and convenience key factors.

2. Planning and Research

  • Choose the Right Location: High-traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, and residential neighborhoods are ideal. Accessibility, parking availability, and proximity to amenities enhance the value proposition.

  • Understand Regulations: Rules for EV charging stations vary by region. Research permits, subsidies, and zoning laws to streamline the setup process.

  • Select Suitable Equipment: Consider speed (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging), compatibility, and reliability. Advanced equipment with smart charging features enhances customer experience and operational efficiency.

3. Business Model and Cost Management

  • Investment: Setting up a charging station can cost $15,000–$50,000, excluding space. Long-term profitability is achievable, with payback periods averaging three years.

  • Revenue Streams: Generate income through per-session fees, partnerships with local businesses, and ancillary services like snacks or products for customers waiting to charge.

4. Marketing and Customer Engagement

  • Visibility: List your station on navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze to attract drivers.

  • Loyalty Programs: Offer discounts or “pay later” options for frequent users.

  • Added Value: Enhance the customer experience with amenities such as fast-charging options, free Wi-Fi, or nearby conveniences.

5. Maintenance and Scalability

  • Regular Upkeep: Schedule routine maintenance to avoid downtime. Issues like damaged cables or software errors must be addressed swiftly.

  • Future Expansion: Partner with local governments, businesses, and utilities to scale operations and expand your customer base.

Conclusion

The EV charging station business offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future while achieving profitability. By following a strategic approach—focusing on location, equipment, customer engagement, and operational excellence—you can power up your success in this growing industry.

Ready to electrify the future? Take the first step today — get in touch with us!

Hustler's Balance Sheet

Pros

  • Sustainability: The project is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 18.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation. Transitioning to electric trucks will reduce air pollution, especially in densely populated freight corridors like I-95. 🍃

  • Economic Benefits: Creation of 400 jobs, with workforce training programs targeting underserved and low-income communities. This move also encourages the adoption of electric trucks, potentially lowering operating costs for businesses over time through reduced fuel expenses. 💰

  • Strategic Impact: The initiative aligns with federal goals for zero-emission truck sales, setting the foundation for a future-proof freight system. Meanwhile, I-95's role as a major freight corridor ensures maximum impact by supporting high-volume commercial traffic. 🚛

  • Health Improvements: Reducing emissions will improve air quality, benefiting communities heavily impacted by truck pollution, especially near urban centers. 😋

Cons

  • Deployment Timeline: Public outreach begins in January, but full awards and deployments aren’t scheduled until 2026, which may delay immediate benefits.⏳

  • High Costs : Electric trucks and their infrastructure remain costly, posing adoption challenges for smaller trucking businesses. 🤑

  • Technological Challenges: Range anxiety and the time required to charge heavy-duty trucks could limit widespread adoption, especially for long-haul operations. The need for alternative or supplementary solutions, like wireless charging or battery-swapping, is yet to be addressed. 🧑‍💻

  • Limited Coverage: The network may not sufficiently cover the entire corridor’s needs, potentially creating bottlenecks for EV truck operators. 😣

Hustler's Creed

"If you broke a lot of rules as a kid, you’d probably make a great entrepreneur.”  

Harley Finkelstein, president of Shopify

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A big thanks to all the truck drivers on the road! Happy Thanksgiving! 🫂

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