Electrification isn’t just about chargers - it also requires advancing technology. So we’re working to leverage fleet management software, telematics, and vehicle-infrastructure integration in optimizing routes, reducing energy costs, and ensuring smooth operations.
The Future of Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure Development
Q&A with Tannaz Banisadre, Chief Operating Officer | Greenlane Infrastructure
First, let’s start with a “Greenlane 101.” What is Greenlane Infrastructure and what is your mission?
Simply put, we are working to build the future of commercial EV charging infrastructure.
As a joint venture between Daimler Truck North America, NextEra Energy Resources, and BlackRock, our mission is to design, develop, install, and operate a nationwide, high-performance, zero-emission public charging network for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
What makes Greenlane different is both our ability to leverage the strength of our joint venture partners and external collaborations to accelerate deployment, as well as our approach to developing our locations along freight corridors rather than building one charging site in various regions.
We take a data-driven approach to identify high-traffic corridors where charging infrastructure is most critical. This involves tapping into telematics data from Daimler Truck North America combined with valuable insights and customer data through our partnership with Uber Freight. By integrating this intelligence into our site selection and development, we’re ensuring that Greenlane stations are placed where they’ll have the greatest impact on fleets transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
As we continue building out our network, our focus remains on reliability, accessibility, and a seamless charging experience—because for commercial EV adoption to scale, infrastructure has to be there first.
What is Greenlane working on at the moment?
We broke ground on our first charging corridor in September of 2024, which will run along I-15 from Southern California to the greater Las Vegas metropolitan area.
Our flagship site for this project is in Colton, California, which is currently under construction and expected to open in April 2025. Supported in part by a $15 million grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Colton site will feature more than 40 charging stations designed to accommodate heavy-, medium-, and light-duty zero-emission vehicles. We see this location as a key hub for freight movement across the region. Other planned locations along I-15 are in Barstow and Baker, California.
These stations, strategically placed 60 to 90 miles apart, are designed to eliminate range anxiety, improve freight efficiency, and provide the reliable public charging infrastructure that fleets need to scale zero-emission vehicle adoption. We’re also developing a digital technology suite, making it even easier for fleets to integrate charging into their operations. We’re building for the long haul, and 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for what’s next.
What are the challenges facing the growth of electrified fleets, and how is your approach addressing those challenges?
The transition to electrified fleets presents significant challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of public charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Looking ahead, the industry will need nearly 700,000 chargers by 2030 to support the projected 1 million Class 4-8 ZEVs on the road.
Our work developing the I-15 charging corridor comes with several other facets, including branching out our strategic partnerships with utilities. We work closely with utilities to streamline site development, extend service lines, and implement flexible interconnection strategies. This ensures that charging sites can scale efficiently without placing unnecessary strain on the grid from day one.
But electrification isn’t just about chargers - it also requires advancing technology. So we’re working to leverage fleet management software, telematics, and vehicle-infrastructure integration which play a crucial role in optimizing routes, reducing energy costs, and ensuring smooth, on-time operations. By prioritizing infrastructure development along freight corridors, we’re creating a scalable model that supports fleets today while laying the groundwork for a sustainable, nationwide transition to zero-emission transportation.
How does EV charging infrastructure impact job creation and economic growth?
We recognize that building a charging network isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s also about shaping the future of the transportation sector in a way that benefits businesses, workers, and communities alike.
We see the development of EV charging infrastructure as a powerful driver of job growth. Estimates suggest that by 2032, the sector could create over 160,000 new jobs across industries like electrical installation, software maintenance, charger assembly, and construction. As the market continues to expand, broader industry projections suggest EV-related investments could generate up to 876,000 additional indirect and secondary jobs. Our work in communities along Interstate 15 has the potential to directly contribute to job creation in local economies that need it most.
The transition to electric freight is also reshaping the trucking workforce. As the industry evolves, the profile of truck drivers is shifting, bringing new job opportunities and potential improvements to working conditions. Today's major challenge is the lack of truck parking spaces, turning parking into a premium service. By integrating high-quality amenities—clean restrooms, showers, internet access, Amazon lockers, and vending machines stocked with nutritious food—charging hubs can improve driver experience and retention, making the profession more attractive to a new generation of drivers.
Are you optimistic about the future of electrified fleets?
We remain confident in the future of EVs as a whole. While perspectives on EV adoption may vary, the foundational investment for a cleaner and more efficient trucking industry is already in place. Over the last nine years, manufacturers have announced $188 billion in concrete investment in U.S. EV and EV battery manufacturing facilities. And just in the last year, we’ve seen $750 million in new commitments for medium- and heavy-duty charging infrastructure, bringing the total to more than $30 billion. These figures signal strong momentum and reinforce the industry’s long-term trajectory.
Ultimately, no single company or entity can achieve this transition alone. It will take a unified effort—working alongside OEMs, fleets, utilities, and regional stakeholders—to ensure charging solutions are deployed where they’re needed most. By continuing to build the necessary infrastructure today, we’re not just addressing immediate challenges—we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable and scalable zero-emission freight network for years to come.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag
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