Vision Motor Corp. has signed an agreement with the Port of Long Beach to develop a hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty vehicle and a terminal tractor to test their suitability for short distance cargo-hauling.

The port’s pact with the El Segundo company, announced Wednesday, is in line with efforts to lower emissions at the San Pedro port complex through its Clean Truck Program, which banned older model diesel trucks.

The Vision trucks will be used and evaluated by California Cartage and TTSI, two trucking companies that operate at the ports.

“Zero-emission is a laudable goal,” said California Cartage President Robert Curry in a statement. “If it can be coupled with the power to handle heavy-duty drayage – transport of goods over a short distance – it could make these new trucks a valuable addition to any fleet.”

The Long Beach port will contribute $425,000 toward the project. The Los Angeles port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners will consider contributing $212,500 at an upcoming board meeting.

Previously, the Los Angeles board voted in April to spend $280,000 to buy one of Vision’s experimental big rig trucks. It was the first sale for Vision Motor’s publically traded parent, Vision Industries Corp. The company formed in 2004 to develop a drive system that combined the acceleration of battery-power with the extended range possible with a hydrogen fuel cell.

Vision Industries shares were up 4 cents, or 25 percent, to 20 cents in midday trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board.