Clean fleet revolution or gamble? California’s bold move and

On April 28, 2023, California authorities approved a rule to phase out the sale of medium- and heavy-duty trucks with internal combustion engines by 2036. The milestone supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s larger goal of a complete transition to zero – emissions modeling for all trucks in use in the state by 2045.

Also Read: Ergonomic Support for Truck Fleets

Advocates for the Advanced Clean Fleet Rule say it would bring improvements to some of the state’s most vulnerable communities, which are located in transportation corridors or near busy warehouses where the air is permanently polluted. They also say the trucking industry will save billions of dollars by switching to cleaner vehicles. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the mandate, with some opponents expressing their displeasure en masse.

What are the requirements of the Advanced Clean Fleet Rules?

Trucking companies subject to ACF regulations must replace vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines within a specified period of time. The Advanced Clean Fleet Rules apply to trucks performing hauling operations at seaports and rail yards, as well as medium- and heavy-duty highway vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds. Light package or mail delivery vehicles and off-road tractors must also comply. Additionally, the directive includes government fleets used by the state and operations within California that have been identified as high priority.

What details apply to the last bullet point? State authorities define high-priority fleets as those who own, operate or command at least one vehicle in California and have achieved at least Annual total revenue of US$50 million or own, operate, jointly own or control 50 or more vehicles.

Both the federal government and high-priority fleets must adhere to the default model year plan or select the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) milestone option. The first option allows the company to continue using the truck until the end of its useful life, with some stipulations.

The vehicle’s end of service life is 13 years from the relevant model year of the engine certified by federal or state regulatory agencies. This also occurs when the truck has traveled more than 800,000 miles or is 18 years removed from model year engine certification, whichever comes first.

Regardless of which of these applies, fleet managers must complete the transition by January 1 of the year following the year in which the vehicle meets the above dates.

Impact on new car purchases

Some industry professionals realize that while the upfront cost of a new vehicle is high, these purchases should help them minimize costs over time. However, updating your truck isn’t the only way to save. Research shows the potential is as high as Save 20% cost Potential for aggressive driving by the operator. This is because rapid acceleration and hard braking increase maintenance requirements and shorten service life.

Regardless, California’s ACF rules focus on transitioning from a fuel-burning model. When fleet owners select a model year transition program, all new vehicles they purchase must be zero-emission vehicles. However, people who choose this option can choose when to buy, as long as other time-based requirements are met.

Once haul trucks reach their minimum useful life, fleet owners must cease operating them and replace them with zero-emission vehicles. Furthermore, by 2035 they must all be of this type. In contrast, while government agencies may continue to use existing fleets beyond their useful life, they must purchase ZEVs when they need to be replaced or elect to enter a ZEV milestone schedule.

Additionally, governments and high-priority fleets have until 2035 to purchase zero- or near-zero-emission vehicles. However, after that year, California will only allow the purchase of ZEVs.

Other provisions

Manufacturers also play an important role in these changes. As of 2036, they can only sell zero-emission versions of their medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Government fleets have other specific time requirements. They must ensure that at least half of the vehicles they buy between now and 2027 are zero-emission options. After that, they all have to be zero-emission vehicles. However, government fleets with 10 or fewer vehicles can wait until 2027 to start purchasing ZEVs.

Failure to comply with these measures will result in Maximum daily fine of $10,000 For each vehicle, highlight why it is in people’s best interests to understand and comply with these requirements. However, not everyone thinks the advanced clean fleet rules are good for the industry.

Compliance is difficult for some

Some fleet professionals in and out of California are not happy with the ACF’s requirements. One of the main reasons is that logistics companies operating elsewhere must gradually invest in new ZEVs if their routes include California. Because the state is large and has many ports, it is an important part of the supply chain.

One possible solution is to have non-compliant trucking companies move freight closer to the California border to be picked up by ACF-compliant vehicles. However, working out the details may take time. People familiar with the matter also drew attention to another border-related matter.

There are more than 200,000 trucking companies in Mexico, but many are not yet ready to comply with these regulations. Cost is a significant barrier; Cost per electric truck Up to $100,000. Some company representatives said they were not ready to comply, in part because they lacked financial resources. Furthermore, the problem extends beyond the truck itself. Mexico also needs to invest in the necessary charging infrastructure.

These challenges span beyond Mexico’s borders, affecting any fleet passing or about to pass through California. Delays due to an insufficient number of charging stations or the time it takes to get goods to the border for further transport can cause significant delays. Now is the time to start thinking creatively about possible solutions.

Resist California’s demands

Some trucking professionals have banded together to actively protest the requirements of the ACF regulations. Many industry association members collectively filed lawsuits against California. Among other factors, they questioned how the requirements would ban non-compliant trucks. Travel within the stateregardless of where people purchase or register these vehicles.

Opponents also claim that California’s rules will make it more difficult for industry players to obtain the work trucks they need to perform their duties without disruption. It’s not just trucking association members who disagree with the impending requirements. Regulators in several states are considering ways to delay implementation to give affected parties more time to comply. They said they did not oppose the ACF’s goals and did not advocate abandoning them, but they believed people should be given more time to prepare.

One of their main concerns is insufficient infrastructure to support the influx of trucks in need of charging stations. Relatedly, there must be enough compliant trucks in the market for all affected entities to purchase. Increased demand over a relatively short period of time may result in people being placed on lengthy waiting lists rather than being immediately able to purchase and use a vehicle.

uncertain future

As the ACF deadline draws closer, it should become clearer whether more parties decide to delay or take steps they must comply with. Much of the uncertainty stems from how California lawmakers will spearhead such decisive action to phase out gas-powered vehicles. How things fare in the state may determine how eager other ruling parties are to follow suit.