‘Clean’ Truck Regs, Strong Rate Environment Likely for 2021
by Cristina Commendatore (Fleet Owner) President-elect Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and the industry will be paying close attention to environmental initiatives that could impact trucking after the Jan. 20 inauguration. READ MORE
California governor proposes $1.5B for clean transportation (FreightWaves)
EPA: Funding Available to Clean Up Diesel Fleets (NGT News)
Excerpt from FreightWaves: Allocation comes amid questions about state’s landmark cap and trade program, a key funding source for clean truck demonstration projects
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In the last couple of years, California has been leading the charge on aggressive policies around reducing transportation emissions. Neandross suggested that under Biden, there is a potential for harmonization between federal emissions reductions efforts and California’s efforts.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), for instance, adopted the first-in-the-nation new clean-truck standard on June 25, 2020. CARB plans to mandate that all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are 100% zero-emission by 2045 “where feasible,” with 2035 the target set for drayage trucks. New Jersey is the first state to officially adopt CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck regulation, while 13 additional U.S. states have begun to sign onto these policies.
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The big hurdle, however, is whether electric and zero-emission commercial vehicles make financial sense for broader fleet adoption.
“Right now, we are not seeing a clear and consistent TCO (total cost of ownership) that is equivalent to or better than diesel or natural gas,” Neandross said.
However, since March 2020, the last-mile delivery segment, which was already seeing a boom in opportunities before the pandemic, has continued to grow in recent months as Americans rely more on e-commerce. And that is a segment rife with opportunity for electric vehicles. READ MORE
