Relief for Large Fleets, Uncertainty for Smaller Ones: CARB Withdraws ACF Waiver

EV Choice Showcases Zero Emissions Truck Technology to Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023.

California Air Resources Board (CARB) has withdrawn its request for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver for the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation. This is positive news for large private fleets (operating 50 or more vehicles) as it removes the mandate forcing them to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in exchange for certain benefits.

However, this withdrawal may negatively impact smaller fleets. Senate Bill 350 remains in effect, requiring California to achieve zero-emission vehicle sales by 2045. CARB is still responsible for creating regulations to meet this ambitious goal.

Without ACF, what does this mean?

• Public agencies: The withdrawal has no impact on public agencies as the state retains the authority to enforce environmental regulations within its own jurisdiction.

• Large private fleets: They are no longer subject to the mandatory ZEV transition under the ACF program.

  
  

It is anticipated that CARB will implement alternative strategies to achieve its zero-emission goals.

These may include:

• Leveraging existing programs: Utilizing the Clean Truck Check (CTC) program and restricting vehicle registrations based on age (e.g., denying registration for vehicles older than 13 years) to gradually phase out older, more polluting vehicles.

• Targeting specific vehicle model years: Potentially banning the registration of vehicles with 2010-2013 model year engines starting in 2027.

  
  

While end-users still have the option to purchase either internal combustion engine (ICE) or ZEV vehicles, dealerships are likely to prioritize ZEV sales due to the ongoing implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation.

Key takeaway: The withdrawal of the ACF waiver shifts the focus of California's zero-emission vehicle transition. While large fleets may benefit from the removal of the mandatory ACF program, smaller fleets and the broader transportation sector should expect to encounter new regulations and restrictions aimed at achieving the state's climate goals.

How EVC's Early Adopters are Paving the Way to Zero Emissions

These business are proving they're built different. Some leaders see a change on the horizon and push their way ahead of it. The reward for the extra hustle? Maximized incentives that will never be seen again, and zero emissions compliance ahead of the curve.

Cal Energy's SEA Electric 5E with Custom Lift-Gate

First on our starting line-up is Cal Energy Operating Corporation. Having taken delivery of the SEA Electric 5E EV in June of 2023 with a custom lift-gate allowing this heavy-duty ZEV truck to be their first EV purchase, Cal Energy is phasing in zero emissions for transportation within their own network of locations. They are ready to soon take delivery of the Phoenix Motorcars Zeus 500 to further their efforts in not only providing green energy but implementing sustainability throughout their operations.

Advance Plastics' SEA Electric 5E Box Truck

Next in the all-star lineup is Advance Plastics, a custom plastic injection molder based in San Diego County, CA. For their customers preferring delivery of products locally, Advance Plastics utilized $129k in HVIP rebates to purchase the SEA Electric 5E in order to deliver products manufactured for their customers like the Spooner Balance Boards, which are unique tools that teach kids to surf.

Last but not least, is it possible to have a "clean" trash business? Absolutely! And Key Disposal has their sights set on a clean, green future as they seek to be the cleanest trash company in town!

This family owned and operated business has been serving our community for the past 60 years with waste collection and recycling. Key Disposal is dedicated to the environment always seeking better ways to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle! So it is absolutely fitting that they were one of EV Choice’s first zero emissions customers getting ahead of the EV game!

Johnnie and Juan with Key Disposal

"Electric trucks are the way to go for these," says Johnnie, owner of Key Disposal. "This is the first truck I’ve bought that I didn’t have to take back. All I do is park it in the lot and plug it in.”

Key Disposal is dedicated to creating cost effective solutions for recycling, diverting and materials recovery of collections for the goal of protecting the environment. This means that going zero emissions is no question in supporting the company’s vision of being a positive force for the environment in the greater LA community.

Juan, Key Disposal's lead mechanic, was shaking his head in disbelief at first. But after a thorough inspection, circling the vehicle completely, he turned to Johnnie with a grin and declared, "No more oil changes!"

“Diesels, I’m done with them," says Johnnie. "They have done nothing but cost me money.”

Key Disposal's SEA 5E EV Trash Bin Hauler

Gearing Up for Clean Deliveries: The White House Unveils a Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Plan

The rumble of freight trucks is a constant hum in the background of American life, delivering essential goods across the country. But this essential service comes at a cost - air pollution linked to health problems, especially in communities near major shipping routes. To tackle this issue, the Biden-Harris administration has unveiled a game-changing plan: the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy.

This strategy isn't about banning diesel trucks overnight. Instead, it's a roadmap for building a network of charging stations and hydrogen fueling infrastructure along key freight corridors. Imagine a future where electric and hydrogen-powered trucks glide silently along highways, leaving behind clean air instead of exhaust fumes.

The plan prioritizes strategic investment, focusing on high-traffic areas first. This phased approach aims to create a network of charging and fueling hubs by 2040, making zero-emission freight a viable option for long-distance haulers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) published the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy(PDF) to guide the deployment of commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs) and associated infrastructure from 2024 to 2040. The National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy prioritizes infrastructure along the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) to be implemented through the following four-phases:

• Establishing priority hubs based on freight volume (2024-2027);

• Connecting hubs along freight corridors (2027-2030);

• Expanding corridor connections and initiating network development (2030-2035); and

• Achieving a national network by linking regional corridors (2035-2040).
  

The strategy is to serve as a guide for public and private deployment of ZE-MHDV infrastructure along the NHFN and connecting corridors.

The road to zero-emission freight won't be without challenges. Battery range for electric trucks and the availability of hydrogen fuel are hurdles that need to be addressed. However, this strategy represents a significant step forward, bringing together public and private efforts to create a cleaner, healthier future for the freight industry and the communities it serves.

This is just the beginning of the journey towards zero-emission freight. Stay tuned for further developments as the strategy unfolds and clean trucks take center stage on American highways.