Vermont has adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandate known as the CARB Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule. This requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles (ZEVs). By 2035, ZEV truck/chassis sales would need to be 55% of Class 2b-3 truck sales, 75% of Class 4-8 straight trucks sales, and 40% of truck tractors sales.

The challenge is that a technologically viable and affordable battery electric truck with accompanying charging infrastructure is not here yet. Even if the trucks were available, a typical electric Class 8 truck costs roughly $400,000 while the average cost for a comparable diesel-powered vehicle is $180,0000. The average range for a Class 8 electric truck is about 150 miles. This can make it challenging to meet the needs of the customer who can travel 1,500 miles without refueling a comparable diesel truck.

As a result of the lack of new diesel inventory, older and less efficient trucks will remain on the road longer. Truck buyers who are worried about the performance and capabilities of the new ZEVs will likely hold onto their older trucks longer delaying both fleet turnover and achieving environmental goals.

Click here to download a fact sheet on the hurdles to commercial ZEV adoption.