Project Clean Air, Inc., in collaboration with several partners, is implementing the San Joaquin Valley Electric Tractor Development and Demonstration project. Supported by $1.5 million from CARB’s Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects program, the project’s goals are to design, customize, develop, and test the first all‑electric agriculture tractors with in-field mobile charging supporting electric Class 6 trucks in California. By demonstrating the functionality of this fleet of electric vehicles, this project will help create a market for electric agricultural and freight equipment.

The San Joaquin Valley, anchored by cities like Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto, is the farming center of the state. Its eight counties grow about half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. However, heavy‑duty diesel trucks, buses and off‑road diesel engines are principal contributors to San Joaquin Valley’s air pollution.

The pollution burden is one that San Joaquin Valley resident Shirley Hinslea knows well. Shirley diligently checks for air quality information every day before deciding whether her six‑year‑old daughter, Kira, who suffers from severe asthma, can leave their home without a mask. “It’s pretty bad,” she said, “when I can’t let her outside to play.”

Project Clean Air, Inc., along with partners Hummingbird Electric Vehicles, Moonlight Companies, Fresno State Transportation Institute, Fresno State Ag Farm, Ranch Management, and Kings River Tractor, is hoping to reduce this pollution burden. Through this project, four pure battery electric 50 horsepower tractors and one pure battery electric Class 6 truck will be delivered to the main demonstration site, Moonlight Companies in Reedley, California. Moonlight will work with the secondary demonstration sites to test uses in various terrains and functions.

Thanks to the San Joaquin Valley Electric Tractor Development and Demonstration project, Shirley’s daughter and other kids in the region will have cleaner air in their neighborhoods.