California first in the world to ban diesel trucks from 2036

California is leading the way yet again - this time CARB voted through the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation which effectively bans sales of new diesel trucks from 2026. It means that all medium- and heavy-duty trucks will have to be zero-emissions in order t be sold and registered in California.

The ACF builds on the previous ACT (Advanced Clean Truck) regulation which required truck manufacturers to supply a certain percentage of electric trucks. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) realized that technological advancements in electric vehicles are much faster than anticipated and there are now viable electric trucks on the market - from small class 2b all the way to class 8.

ACF was initially only meant to apply to trucks used in urban areas but CARB updated it to a state-wide requirement. The deadline has been brought up as well from 2040 to 2036 which should improve California’s chances of reaching 100% zero-emissions goal for trucks by 2045. The new deadline for trucks is now only one year behind the 2035 ban on new gasoline and diesel-powered passenger cars.

As with any rule though, there are exceptions. The existing vehicles are not required to be replaced, small fleet operators will have more time to replace their existing fleet while the government and large operators will be expected to make the switch to electric trucks early.

CARB not only brought the deadline up but the milestones got an updated schedule as well. By next year local agencies need to ensure that at least 50% of their fleet purchases are zero-emissions vehicles. That target goes up to 100% by 2027. All new cargo trucks transporting goods from ports to distribution centers need to be all-electric by next year as well.

Despite the toughest emissions regulations, California has some of the most polluted air in the United States. This is due to geographical layout, the LA basin and the Inland Empire are surrounded by mountains and the pollution is trapped in the area.

California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and it is seen as the state that’s followed by others when it comes to environmental protection. Many states will likely adopt similar regulations in the not-too-distant future. The financial implications are huge but the local government is making available purchase incentives on top of the already available federal tax credits.

The new regulations are expected to save as much as $26.5 billion in health benefits and an additional $48 billion in lower fleet operating costs. On top of that, there are the obvious benefits of lower pollution - both air and noise - and we cannot dispute the advantages of clean air.

Via