California has enacted a first-of-its-kind law requiring heavy vehicle manufacturers to ensure that a certain percentage of their trucks are all-electric, with targets of 55% for delivery vans and smaller trucks, 75% for buses and larger trucks, and 40% for tractor-trailers and big rigs. This move is aimed at reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Six other states are also planning to enact similar laws, and manufacturers are likely to adjust their offerings nationwide to meet California's requirements.
The Biden administration has proposed a rule to require automatic emergency braking systems for heavy vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, as well as other types of large trucks. Officials also proposed amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to require heavy vehicles to have electronic stability control systems. Both systems, if installed on all vehicles, could prevent an estimated 19,118 crashes and prevent 8,814 nonfatal injuries annually. The rise in road deaths has elevated concerns, with nearly 43,000 people killed on U.S. roads last year.
Toyota's fuel cell drivetrain for heavy vehicles has been approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as an official Zero Emission Powertrain. The kit includes everything necessary to run a fuel-cell vehicle and is expected to be offered commercially as a viable alternative to diesel powertrains for heavy vehicles. The lack of infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is easily overcome for truck fleets operated out of freight depots, and quick refueling is a huge boon for commercial operators. Manufacturers using the powertrain may also be eligible for government incentives.
