New electric heavy-duty trucks rolling through Hampton Roads aim to cut emissions, expand charging access, and signal a shift toward cleaner freight transport
CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Electric heavy-duty freight trucks are now becoming part of daily operations across Hampton Roads, and local leaders say the biggest impact may go beyond the vehicles themselves.
The trucks are part of a six-year pilot partnership involving logistics company NFI, Dominion Energy, and Meta. The goal is to test zero-emission freight transportation while supporting the Port of Virginia’s long-term sustainability efforts and preparing the regional workforce for changes in the logistics industry.
Workforce shifts already underway
According to NFI Director of Sustainability Alexa Branco, transitioning to electric freight vehicles requires new skills for both technicians and drivers.
“This creates demand for technicians trained in electric vehicle diagnostics and battery management systems,” Branco said.
Unlike traditional diesel trucks, electric freight vehicles rely heavily on high-voltage electrical systems, specialized battery technology, and different maintenance procedures. That shift means new certifications, updated safety training, and ongoing workforce development.
Drivers are also adapting to new operating characteristics like regenerative braking and route planning designed to maximize battery range.
Branco said that workforce investments could bring long-term benefits to Hampton Roads, including new specialized logistics jobs and infrastructure development tied to electric transportation.
Strong connection to the Port of Virginia
The Port of Virginia plays a central role in the project. Many of the electric trucks operate short-haul routes, often called drayage routes, moving cargo between port terminals, distribution centers, and regional warehouses.
“The Port of Virginia has a net-zero-by-2040 goal… and we were excited to help them move toward that,” Branco said.
Port leaders say initiatives like this can help position Virginia competitively as global shipping and logistics industries increasingly prioritize cleaner transportation.
“It shows that Virginia is innovative,” said Port of Virginia Interim CEO Sarah McCoy. “We’re progressive, and that means that we’re going to all be more successful in locating jobs and investment right here in our backyard.”
Most freight traveling through the port stays within roughly a few hundred miles. Electric trucks, which typically operate shorter routes, can be especially effective in this region.
Regional economic and infrastructure impact
Supporters say projects like this could bring broader investment to Hampton Roads, including charging infrastructure, energy grid upgrades, and job training programs.
Meta Community Development Technical Lead Manager Kelley McCall said the initiative is expected to deliver “long-term benefits to the Chesapeake region, including job upskilling, increased grid support, and infrastructure investment.”
Local leaders also view the project as an economic opportunity.
“Chesapeake always likes being first,” said Chesapeake Mayor Rick West. “Jobs, innovation, clean air: all consistent with what we try to do.”
Trucks are already running locally
The vehicles are currently operating routes throughout Hampton Roads, including trips between Chesapeake logistics hubs, the Port of Virginia, and surrounding cities.
“They go out to Franklin, back to the port… it’s really that whole Hampton Roads region,” Branco said.
Researchers will continue monitoring the trucks’ performance, costs, and environmental impact over the coming years. If successful, similar electric freight initiatives could expand to other ports and logistics hubs nationwide.
For Hampton Roads, leaders say the transition represents both a technological shift and a workforce opportunity, one that could shape how goods move through the region for years to come.
