The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement from Executive Director Allen Schaeffer regarding commercial trucks in California:
Trucking in California is celebrating an important milestone this week. All commercial diesel truck drivers must now have the most advanced diesel technology.
The California Air Resources Board Truck and Bus Fleet Regulation now requires that, with few exceptions, only 2010 and newer generation diesel commercial vehicles are allowed to be registered in the state.
According to the Diesel Technology Forum’s analysis of data sourced from S&P Global Mobility regarding vehicles in operation for Class 3-8 as of December 2021, 48% of all commercial diesel vehicles in California were 2011 and newer vehicles. Overall, California lagged behind other states as the national average is 53% of all commercial diesel trucks being of the newest generation. California was sixth in the growth of registrations for these new technology trucks in 2021. It added nearly 30,000 units since 2020 likely to be ready for this new rule.
This latest generation is a success story. It is a proven technology that delivers significant benefits for truckers as well as the environment. This technology has been used in commercial trucks since 2011, and on farm and construction equipment since 2014. It has reduced nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by more than 98%. It utilizes selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and advanced particulate filters to achieve 98% fewer emissions of fine particles and 98% fewer emissions of oxides of nitrogen, a smog precursor.
This has resulted in trucks across the country saving over 20 billion gallons fuel since 2011 and associated emission benefits. These include the prevention of 202 million metric tonnes of GHG emissions, and 27 million tons of NOx emission.
California provided financial assistance as well as a long lead-time for the smallest fleets, to help them comply with the new regulation. The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Air Quality Loan Program (also known as California Capital Access Program or CARB Truck Loan Assistance Program) was created to help with the implementation and maintenance of the 2008 Truck and Bus Regulation. Small businesses that purchased vehicles with engines of model years 2010 or older were eligible for credit enhancement. CARB funded the program through its Air Quality Improvement Program. It contributed $219,000,000 from 2009 to 2022.
The new generation of advanced diesel technology vehicles now serving California’s trucking fleet will continue to be a key aspect of California’s clean air and climate strategy, even as it moves toward zero-emission technology in the future.