Zeem Solutions, a zero-emission “fleet-as-a-service” provider, announced a partnership with global logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel to deploy electric box trucks for air cargo freight forwarding. Zeem's operational model provides commercial battery-electric vehicles and charging solutions for shippers interested in zero-emission pickup and delivery at Los Angeles’ LAX airport and elsewhere.

Under the model, 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. A flat monthly fee includes driver amenities, regular maintenance, and overnight vehicle parking.

Zeem Solutions offers Class 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 semi-trucks, all wrapped in Kuehne+Nagel's graphics.

“We work closely with our fleet operators to make the transition to EVs smooth and seamless," said Paul Gioupis, co-founder and CEO of Zeem Solutions, in a statement. "We handle the infrastructure, charging, maintenance, and depot operations. 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.”

Kuehne+Nagel uses the electric trucks to make pickups and deliveries serving regional warehouses and distribution centers within a 60- to 90-mile radius of LAX. Drivers learn to maximize mileage on a charge, learning new operating skills such as proper use of regenerative braking, with training from the Zeem Solutions team.

“We aim to meet our client’s needs, which increasingly includes elimination of supply chain emissions,” added Bill Kascel, senior vice president 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 one of many fleets that are operating EVs from Zeem Solutions’ LAX depot, which offers about 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. During the coming year, Zeem Solutions will be bringing its EV FaaS offering to new regions in California and across the U.S.