Technology | Around the Industry
July 3, 2024
Upcoming Emission Changes – Is Your Fleet Prepared?
By Bethany Carino, PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease)
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced strict new emissions standard for heavy-duty trucks as part of their efforts to combat climate change. These new regulations are affecting all drivers, particularly those who operate fleets. Fleet operators are proactively seeking out ways to ensure they comply with the new regulations. According to Advanced Clean Tech (ACT) News, the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), seeks to transition medium-and-heavy-duty vehicles from Class 2b to Class 8 to zero-emission models. This initiative is backed by a comprehensive framework that encompasses sales mandates for manufacturers and reporting obligations for major employers and fleet owners.
Emission Regulations in California
California is setting the standard for environmental initiatives with its rigorous Vehicle Emissions Inspection Laws to promote cleaner air and minimize the impact of vehicular emissions on the environment. According to California Governor Gavin Newsom, the Advanced Clean Fleets rule puts the state on a path towards achieving the objective of completely transitioning medium and heavy-duty trucks on California roads to zero-emissions technology by 2045. This initiative will require major fleet operators, such as state, local and federal government fleets, to start transitioning as early as next year.
Current Timeline:
- Drayage trucks, local delivery and government fleets must transition by 2035.
- Garbage trucks must be zero-emission by 2039.
- All other vehicles covered by the regulation must be zero-emission by 2042.
Emission Regulations for the US
The Clean Trucks Plan, introduced by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 2021, stands as the most stringent set of EPA regulations for the on-road sector to date. This plan is making significant strides in reducing pollution, protecting public health, and addressing the pressing issue of climate change. The rulemaking of the Clean Trucks Plan centers around three key areas:
1. Reducing emissions responsible for the formation of smog and soot will be implemented for heavy-duty engines and vehicles starting from model year 2027.
2. Focuses on light-and-medium-duty vehicles and addresses the multi-pollutant emissions.
3. Greenhouse gas emissions for model year 2027 and later medium-and-heavy-duty vehicles.
How Emission Regulations Impact Fleets
Due to the various emission regulations in place, the transportation industry has seen a range of opinions. Nevertheless, companies are demonstrating their commitment to adhering to these regulations by incorporating clean energy vehicles into their fleets. Fleets are becoming more environmentally conscious, adopting cleaner techniques, and implementing sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, long term fleets can benefit from cost reductions due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs by utilizing environmentally friendly vehicles in compliance with these regulations.
Fleet Management
Changes in emission regulations are prompting adjustments in fleet management practices. Fleets must ensure they are upholding the regulations by complying with the new mandates. PacLease offers assistance in transitioning your fleet to meet the new emission standards through Zero Emissions lease and rental options:
- Selection of Premium Kenworth and Peterbilt Zero Emission Vehicles
- PacLease offers the full package – trucks, financing, grant assistance, and maintenance – along with charging stations through PACCAR’s collaboration with Schneider Electric and EnTech Solutions – we can offer a turnkey package.
Strategy to Replace Upcoming Truck Maturities
Customers will need to take into account several factors when making decisions about replacing their vehicles. Those factors can include assessing the total cost of ownership, depreciation, maintenance expenses, fuel efficiency, safety and compliance features, operational efficiency, resale or trade-in value, operational data, and life cycle cost analysis. Customers should also monitor and explore the electric vehicles space. According to the 2023 National Private Council (NPTC) Benchmarking Survey Report, the level of engagement and interest in electric vehicles varies with companies in different stages as follows:
- Exploring/Researching 28%
- Operating Yard Horse 17%
- Testing/Piloting 11%
- Interested 8% (2023 NPTC)
Understanding how to comply with the new emission regulations can be a complex task. PacLease provides the ideal solution for those seeking to navigate the complexities of adhering to the latest emission regulations. If you’re looking to explore electric vehicles, there is no better choice than leasing with PacLease. Providing a comprehensive package that includes trucks, financing, grant assistance, and maintenance - along with charging stations through PACCAR Parts, PacLease offers a complete turnkey solution. PacLease manages the entire zero emissions process, freeing you to focus on your daily operations.
Learn more about Electric Trucks at PacLease, by visiting https://paclease.com/our-trucks/electric-trucks.
More questions about Electric Trucks and EV Infrastructure? Have an Expert reach out by filling out https://paclease.com/contact-an-expert/.
Learn more about electric grant writing, read our blog post: Grant Money to Jump-Start Electric Vehicles.
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