LOS ANGELES — Think of electric vehicles, and most of us think cars. But something bigger is coming down the pike: 18-wheelers are also going emissions free.
- Daimler Trucks is one of several companies testing battery-electric big rigs near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. About 40 of its Freightliner e-Cascadias are operating in Southern California.
- California was the first state to mandate that truck makers begin transitioning away from diesel for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, starting with the 2024 model year. Fourteen other states have since adopted the same regulation.
- Part of the executive order, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued in September 2020 mandates that all medium- and heavy-duty vehicle operations be emissions-free by 2045.
- In addition to major manufacturers including Daimler Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Kenworth, Tesla, XOS and other startups also plan to build battery-electric trucks. Production for many of the trucks is expected to start this year.
- Medium- and heavy-duty trucks are responsible for 12% of greenhouse gas emissions in California.