California Bans New ICE for Trucks from 2036
Regulators in the US state of California have approved a law to only allow the sales of new zero emissions medium- and heavy-duty vehicles from 2036.
It is not yet clear whether this effective ICE ban for these commercial vehicles would include those able to rub on carbon-neutral e-fuels as sanctioned by the European Union’s recent about turn on an ICE ban. Reuters reports Governor Gavin Newsom, saying: “With these actions requiring all new heavy-duty truck sales to be zero emission and tackling train pollution in our state, we’re one step closer to achieving healthier neighborhoods and cleaner air for all Californians.”
The ruling also requires existing fleets to take steps to transition to zero-emission vehicles. Trucking, local delivery and government fleets must all be zero emission by 2035, waste disposal trucks and local buses by 2039, and sleeper cab tractors and specialty vehicles by 2042. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates the reduced pollution from the truck rules would result in $26.6Bn in health savings from fewer asthma attacks, emergency room visits and respiratory illnesses and save $48Bn in trucking operating costs.
CARB said fleet owners can receive exemptions based on available technology to ensure they can replace older polluting trucks with ones that have the cleanest engines. Environmentalists claim that while trucks represent only 6% of vehicles on California’s roads, they account for over 35% of the state’s transportation generated nitrogen oxide emissions and about 25% of on-road greenhouse gas emissions.
However, American Trucking Associations Chief Executive Chris Spear attacked the decision saying: “California is setting unrealistic targets and unachievable timelines that will undoubtedly lead to higher prices for the goods and services delivered to the state and fewer options for consumers.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
