Zeem Solutions is helping small fleets get into EVs without investing in the infrastructure and higher buy-ins for zero-emission equipment and logistics. California’s BMC Transport recently added four trucks to its small fleet using Zeem’s FaaS solution.
Host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Paul Gioupis, CEO of Zeem Solutions. The two discuss how Gioupis got into the trucking industry, as well as where Zeem fits into the trucking and drayage industry as a whole.
Zeem is looking to expand its operations using a $50 million capital commitment from infrastructure and energy investor Arclight Capital Partners LLC. The investment firm has a track record of investing in businesses and assets that contribute to a decarbonized future. Zeem co-founder and CEO Paul Gioupis said many businesses would like to use EVs but are deterred by up-front costs and the time it takes to make the switch to an emissions-free fleet.
For a flat monthly fee, Zeem provides fleet managers with electric trucks, cargo vans, transit shuttles and other vehicles according to their needs, along with a facility that includes fast-charging stations, parking and a break room for drivers. Including EV charging, maintenance and insurance along with the cost of leasing the vehicles, Zeem calculates that its flat-fee system is less than the cost of owning a gas or diesel fleet.
Zeem Solutions is doing something different when it comes to electric vehicles. It is providing a complete product of vehicles, chargers and associated services, such as maintenance and parking. “We are the first group that is doing this with actual chargers in the ground, with a meaningful fleet and customers that are utilizing the services today,” said Paul Gioupis, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Inglewood-based company.
The commercial backstreets surrounding LAX, the world’s third-busiest airport, host many a truck yard. But only one of these sites is full of heavy-duty vehicles that move silently and without emissions. The electric trucks all belong to Zeem, which plans to lease them to businesses that operate small and midsized fleets. Zeem activated its first six direct-current fast chargers this week and can support 65 vehicles per day rotating through for a full charge.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is awarding grants totaling $6.75 million to six projects across the region designed to promote clean transportation and reduce harmful emissions during last-mile freight and delivery operations.
Today, Ørsted announced it will partner with Zeem Solutions, to enable the rollout of 50 electric drayage trucks, associated vehicle infrastructure and mobility training programs for area residents at the Port of Newark. The $11 million partnership is a part of Ørsted’s Ocean Wind 2 bid that is being considered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.