CALIFORNIA - The state of California is targeting that by 2035 as many as 50% of the trucks operating in its territory will be powered by electricity. This step is to reduce pollution because the transportation sector contributes 40% of California's greenhouse gas emissions annually.
“We are leading the charge to get dirty trucks and buses, the most polluting vehicles, off the streets and the state. Several other states are lining up to follow our lead,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement quoted by SINDOnews from The Drive page, Saturday (1/4/2023).
California aims to have half of all heavy trucks operating there fully electric by 2035. The news comes after the Environmental Protection Agency officially approved the decision on Friday March 31, 2023.
“Under the Clean Air Act, California had longstanding authority to deal with pollution from cars and trucks. "Today's announcement allows states to take additional steps to reduce their transportation emissions through these new regulatory actions," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
This decision will most directly impact heavy truck and bus manufacturers along with companies that operate large fleets such as logistics companies. California is not alone as several other states, including Washington and New York, also plan to phase out sales of internal combustion cars by 2035.
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, which represents the companies that build the big rigs, said electrification would increase the cost of their products substantially. drastic. What's more, fleet operators are hesitant to buy it because of the high price.