California approves world's first mandatory electric truck sales quota

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), an organisation charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution, has unanimously voted to approve a new mandate for zero emission vehicle production in the state.

The mandate is the first of its kind in the world.

From 2024, under the new Advanced Clean Truck rule, manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks will have to sell a greater percentage of zero emission vehicles.This will vary depending on the vehicle class.

By 2035, 75% of all Class 8 big rigs, which include semis, will need to be electric.

The decision was made based on testimony from over 150 people, including representatives of Volvo and Tesla.

Volvo was among those against the mandate, “[doubting] the market's readiness to absorb the volumes in this regulation.”

Tesla, however, keen to sell its range of electric vehicles including Tesla Semis and cybertrucks, was supportive, suggesting that the market needed to be pushed for change to take place, “transitioning away from fossil fuels as fast and effectively as we can.”

Source: Freight Waves

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