A new standard for diesel power is set in California
The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement from Executive Director Allen Schaeffer regarding commercial trucks in California:
This week is a significant milestone in trucking in California. Truck drivers who operate most commercial diesel trucks must be equipped with the latest 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 fastest growing state in 2021 for new technology truck registrations. This is likely due to the addition of nearly 30,000 trucks since 2020.
This latest generation is a success story. It is a proven technology that delivers significant benefits to 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 preventing 202,000,000 metric tons GHG emissions and 27,000,000 metric tons NOx emissions.
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 under the California Capital Access Program or CARB Truck Loan Assistance Program, was established to support the implementation and enforcement 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. The program was funded primarily by CARB’s Air Quality Improvement Program, which contributed $219 million between 2009 and 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.