Zeem’s electric FaaS helps fleet meet customers’ zero-emission needs

Air cargo freight forwarding fleet Kuehne+Nagel is finding early success using Zeem Solutions’ zero-emission electric vehicle fleet-as-a-service in Southern California.

The international logistics company is operating Zeem electric box trucks as part of its sustainable airport corridor initiative, which uses commercial battery-electric vehicles and charging solutions for shippers interested in zero-emission pickup and delivery at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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“We aim to meet our clients’ needs, which increasingly includes elimination of supply chain emissions,” said Bill Kascel, SVP of sustainability solutions in North America at Kuehne+Nagel.  “Not only were we able to start operating electric trucks immediately, without waiting for long vehicle lead times or building and installing any EV charging, which made it an easy and cost-effective decision, but we were also able to advance our own company’s goals of achieving a zero-carbon future—a win-win for us and our clients.”

Kuehne+Nagel is shuttling air cargo between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and its warehouse facility in Torrance, California, using an operational model developed by Zeem Solutions. 

Kuehne+Nagel fleet drivers arrive at Zeem’s Los Angeles EV depot, park their personal cars, and drive away with a fully charged medium- or heavy-duty electric vehicle to run their routes, taking advantage of driver amenities, regular maintenance, and secure overnight vehicle parking, which are all included in a flat monthly fee.

Zeem Solutions offers Classes 2-8 vehicles, from which Kuehne+Nagel selected the Sea Electric Hino 195 Class 5 box trucks, the Lightning 6500 XD Class 6 box trucks, and the Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 trucks. The trucks are wrapped in Kuehne+Nagel graphics to help spread awareness that the company is delivering on its zero-emission commitments.

With cargo ranging from chocolate to specialty aerospace parts, Kuehne+Nagel uses the EVs to make pickups and deliveries serving regional warehouses and distribution centers within a 60-90 mile radius of LAX. Drivers learn to maximize mileage on a charge with training from the Zeem team, which helps drivers optimize range through properly regenerative braking, and other new operating skills.

“We work closely with our fleet operators to make the transition to EVs smooth and seamless. We handle the infrastructure, charging, maintenance, and depot operations,” said Paul Gioupis, co-founder and CEO of Zeem Solutions. “We’re pleased to work with Kuehne+Nagel to help them reduce their emissions footprint and roll out electric trucks nationwide while achieving an EV operating cost near a typical diesel truck.”

Zeem Solutions’ LAX depot has nearly 100 electric vehicles and is completing charging infrastructure with 77 fast charging ports and 53 Level 2 chargers, available as an integral part of the vehicle agreement. In 2023, Zeem Solutions is looking to expand its EV FaaS offering to new regions in California and across the U.S. as the company rapidly grows, Gioupis said.