Nations set 2035 and 2040 targets for zero-emission truck transition

Rising Global Commitment to Zero-Emission Trucks

Countries worldwide are committing to phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks. They are pushing for a future where zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including battery electric and fuel cell trucks, dominate the market. This shift is crucial, as medium- and heavy-duty trucks contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, all new trucks weighing up to 26 tonnes must be zero-emission by 2035. Heavier trucks have a deadline of 2040. Norway, a leader in electric vehicle adoption, aims for all new trucks to be zero-emission or biogas-powered by 2030.

The European Union is also making progress. By 2040, the EU-27 aims to reduce CO₂ emissions from new trucks by 90%. This target aligns with the EU’s broader climate goals and signals a clear shift away from fossil fuels.

North America’s Bold Initiatives

In North America, California leads with some of the world’s most aggressive targets. By 2036, all new trucks sold in the state must be zero-emission. Additionally, California plans to transition its entire drayage truck fleet to zero-emission by 2035. Other states like New York, Oregon, and Washington are following California’s lead, committing to similar goals under the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This MoU, signed by 15 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, aims for all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2050. This collective effort underscores the determination to cut transportation emissions across a significant portion of the United States.

Global Efforts and Policy Impacts

Beyond Europe and North America, other nations are stepping up. Austria has set a target for 100% zero-emission new truck sales by 2030 for vehicles under 18 tonnes and by 2035 for heavier trucks. Cape Verde plans to transition all trucks on its roads to electric by 2050, with interim goals to ensure steady progress.

In Pakistan, the goal is to have 90% of new truck sales be electric by 2040. This shows that even developing nations are joining the global shift toward cleaner transportation. In Asia, the Chinese province of Hainan aims for 50% of new sanitation trucks to be new energy vehicles by 2030.

Chile, a key player in the global mining industry, has set ambitious targets for heavy machinery and trucks. By 2045, Chile plans for all new trucks and mobile machinery in mining, forestry, agriculture, and construction to be zero-emission. Earlier deadlines are set for specific types of machinery.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the strong commitments, challenges remain. The industry needs to achieve economies of scale in electric truck production. Developing the necessary charging infrastructure and ensuring the electrical grid can support these vehicles are also critical factors.

Binding sales requirements, like California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, will be key to driving early adoption. Such regulations can help overcome the high upfront costs and slow market acceptance of new technologies.

Conclusion

The global push toward zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks is gaining momentum. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious goals, signaling a clear shift toward cleaner transportation. As these targets approach, we can expect a rapid transformation in the trucking industry, leading to cleaner air and a more sustainable future. However, achieving these goals will require continuous effort, innovation, and collaboration across all sectors involved in the production and operation of these vehicles.