Electric trucks and biodiversity by 2030

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Companies and governments have launched the e-Dutra project to deploy 1,000 electric trucks and charging infrastructure on the Presidente Dutra Highway by 2030, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, promoting sustainability and restoring biodiversity.

A group of 17 large companies, with the support of local and federal governments, launched the e-Dutra project. The initiative foresees the implementation of 1,000 electric trucks and an extensive charging network along the Presidente Dutra Highway, the main logistics corridor between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The goal is to reach this number by 2030, which could avoid about 75,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 16,000 cars from the streets.

Currently, more than 19,000 diesel trucks travel daily along the Dutra Road, one of the busiest and strategic highways in the country. The new project seeks to reduce environmental impact and improve air quality in neighboring communities, in addition to accelerating the transition of freight transportation to a low-emission model.

The initiative, announced at the COP 30 Blue Zone on Wednesday 12, brings together logistics, automotive and technology companies. Juliana Silva, Sustainability Director at Motiva, which is among the organizations participating in the freight fleet electrification project, highlighted: land The initiative is key to decarbonizing the country and the sector.

She explained that the transportation sector is the second largest source of emissions at the national level, and that Motiva led a study that identified three main levers to reduce emissions: electrification, expanding the use of biofuels and expanding waterways and rail transportation, capable of reducing the sector’s emissions by up to 60%. “Electricity is a hugely important means of decarbonisation and this initiative makes that tangible.”

In addition to reducing emissions, Motiva promotes actions to conserve biodiversity, such as establishing conservation units, planting ecological corridors (in partnership with SOS Mata Atlântica) and promoting practices to mitigate environmental impacts in its areas of operation.

The Director also stressed the importance of cooperation between the private sector and public authorities. He said: “The government has a key role in encouraging these initiatives financially.” Juliana also highlighted the relationship between innovation and sustainability. “Last year, having an electric fleet was not possible, and this year it is possible.”

The project includes establishing electric charging centers along the road, in addition to the experimental routes already in operation. One of the first tests was carried out by Volkswagen Truck & Bus, which covered the 800 km distance between Resende (RJ) and Sorocaba (SP) with a fully electric truck. Other companies, such as DHL Supply Chain, have also begun operations with heavy electric trucks in sections of São Paulo.

According to the companies participating in the project, the investments are expected to also create new economic opportunities, generate green jobs and boost the logistics sector.

*The reporter traveled at the invitation of Motiva, the founder of the Alliance to Decarbonize Transportation.