California's Air Resources Board has recently approved a mandate to shift big rigs and other trucks to zero emissions in a bid to transform the state's economy and end diesel's long-standing dominance in goods movement.
It is the world’s first mandate to prohibit new diesel truck sales and demand a shift towards zero-emission big rigs, garbage trucks, delivery trucks, and other medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The regulations will significantly alter the commercial trucks that are used on California's roads, impacting approximately 1.8 million trucks, including those operated by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon.
From 2036 onwards, no new medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks that run on fossil fuels will be sold in the state. Large trucking companies must also switch to electric or hydrogen models by 2042. The board will review progress and obstacles in meeting the deadlines 2.5 years from now.
