By Sheri Call

New zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates on the trucking industry are creating serious challenges for trucking fleets, which face limited and costly options in order to operate legally in Washington state. That should concern all of us, since almost 90% of consumer goods arrive by truck.

At issue is the state’s adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program. ACT is meant to move the industry toward zero emissions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Beginning next year, 7% of all heavy-duty trucks sold in Washington must be ZEVs. As manufacturers work toward compliance, Washington truck dealers are being forced to sell new ZEVs before they can sell legacy trucks.

Trucking companies are also scrambling to adapt to these new requirements. But supply is limited, and what’s available is expensive and comes with significant operational limits. New ZEV commercial trucks cost more than two-and-a-half times more than their clean diesel counterparts. They also lose two-and-a-half tons of payload compared to a clean diesel truck. In addition, electric trucks compromise range, and fueling infrastructure takes years to permit and construct. Some dealers estimate that ZEV medium- and heavy-duty trucks will not work for 90% of existing routes.

That’s a significant challenge for a state as trade-dependent – and geographically diverse – as Washington. These added costs and uncertainties will lead to economic consequences that must be considered. California’s ACT program included a more gradual transition and greater incentives for medium- and heavy-duty trucks than here in Washington. A steeper compliance curve, fewer incentives and competition against California – the fifth-largest economy in the world – puts Washington at a significant competitive disadvantage.

To remain viable, operators will either maintain their current fleets, operating older, less efficient trucks longer, or shrink their Washington footprint in favor of states that haven’t adopted the ACT program.

Despite an effort to support EV transition in the public sector, even state agencies are experiencing the same operational challenges as private fleets.

At a recent meeting of the state’s Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council, executives from the Department of Commerce noted that staff are uncomfortable driving long distances or in poor weather in electric vehicles due to concerns about charging availability. As an alternative, they opt for gas-powered rentals from the state motor pool.

In the same meeting, Commerce staff admitted that “vehicle availability has been tough” and that mileage and towing capacity – especially for vehicles needed to haul heavy equipment – are an issue. It was also shared that staffers from the Department of Ecology have expressed “hesitation or concern” about a lack of charging infrastructure, especially for long trips.