California Passes Zero Emissions Mandate by 2045 for Trucks

The Freightliner eCascadia and the eM2 are two of the first electric semitrucks to hit the highways for test-driving.


California has become the first state in the country to require all trucks sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2045. The rule was passed by the Air Resources Board despite lobbying by the fossil fuel interests.

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The mandate, passed unanimously by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), was hailed as a major step toward reducing climate-warming emissions and improving public health for low-income communities near busy highway corridors and ports.California passes landmark mandate for zero emission trucks

The new rule applies only to trucks 8,500 or more. Initially, in 2024 the mandate is expected to require between 5% and 9% zero-emissions vehicles, rising to 30%-50% by 2030, and by 2045 all vehicles should be zero-emissions “where feasible”.

Heavy-duty trucks are California’s largest source of smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution. The mandate plans to put an estimated 300,000 zero-emission trucks on the road by 2035. Toggle panel: Theme SEO Settings