On a 166-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Columbus and Indianapolis, Swedish-made autonomous electric trucks are about to prove that the future of American freight doesn't require a driver—or a diesel engine. This summer, Ohio will launch one of the most ambitious tests of self-driving electric trucks on U.S. soil, putting Einride's cab-less vehicles to work through the state's DriveOhio Truck Automation Corridor Project in partnership with logistics firm EASE.
The momentum matters because, despite federal tax credits disappearing after President Trump took office, states are quietly building their own roadmap to electrified transportation. What's emerging is a patchwork of ambition: autonomous testing corridors, rebate programs worth billions, manufacturing investments, and port infrastructure upgrades—all moving forward without waiting for Washington.
Starting this summer, the Einride trucks will transport goods between EASE warehouses, generating real-world data on how autonomous electric vehicles reshape warehouse operations, distribution networks, and supply chains. These are SAE Level 4 vehicles—the kind capable of handling everything from routine driving to unexpected situations—monitored remotely by live operators who can assist if needed. EASE is also testing autonomous truck platooning on the same corridor, which involves linking vehicles together to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Meanwhile, California is swinging harder. On June 26, the state launched its "California Clean Fuel Rewards" program, a $1 billion initiative funded by the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. With $250 million deployed this year alone, the program offers rebates ranging from $7,500 to $120,000 for private and public fleets buying electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks. "By returning revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard directly to truck buyers at time of purchase, we're making zero-emission trucks the better choice for fleets and delivering cleaner air along freight corridors where it's needed most," said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. The rebates apply to drayage trucks, electric semis, box trucks, and delivery vans—covering the vehicles that move most of America's goods.
Smaller vehicles aren't being left behind. Michigan awarded startup Slate Auto a $5 million matching performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program to expand its Troy headquarters and develop its Class 2a electric pickup truck. The investment, paired with Slate's own $10.4 million capital commitment, is expected to create at least 392 new jobs over five years. With 150,000 reservations already in hand and backing from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate plans to begin deliveries before year's end.
Even the ports are electrifying. In May, EV charging firm Kempower and container terminal operator APM Terminals announced a global partnership to install DC fast-charging stations at APM operations worldwide. Three pilot projects are already underway in Mexico, Morocco, and Peru, with more to follow over the next three years. The shift is tangible: in June 2024, APM Terminals Elizabeth in New Jersey replaced seven diesel-powered terminal tractors with electric ones.
These projects tell a different story than the headlines about federal policy setbacks. States, ports, and private companies are investing in the infrastructure and vehicles needed for an electric transportation future—not waiting for permission, but building momentum from the ground up.