California Will Require More Zero-Emission Trucks Starting In 2024

• New regulation will apply to trucks weighing over 8,500 pounds with the exception of light-duty trucks

• The regulations will go into effect in 2024 with 5% to 9% zero-emission trucks required based on class

• California, Washington, and Oregon are planning a new West Coast Clean Transit Corridor charging infrastucture

The California Air Resources Board has passed a new mandate today that will require a certain number of zero-emission trucks starting in 2024.

According to Reuters, the initial regulation will require 5% to 9% zero-emission vehicles based on class by 2024. By 2030, that number will raise to 30% to 50%. The plan is to have only zero-emission trucks on the road by 2045 “where feasible”.

The end result will be roughly 300,000 ZEV trucks on the road by 2035. The regulations apply to pickup trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 8,500 pounds, although light-duty trucks are governed by a different set of regulation rules.

Tesla has previously said it wants to put a new semi truck into production very soon while Nikola Motors is also working on a new semi electric truck. GM with Hummer, Rivian, and the recently introduced Lordstown Endurance are leading the way in terms of electric pickups. And of course, Tesla has the Cybertruck.

California’s agressive stance on vehicle pollution is well documented. Back in September, the Trump EPA said the ZEV mandate was preempted by federal law. 23 states have since sued to get the ruling reversed and more and more states are choosing to model their regulations after California rules.

Large trucks are currently the largest source of nitrogen oxide emissions in California.