The California Air Resources Board (CARB) was established in 1967 as a way to help reduce air pollution. Since then, CARB has take on various responsibilities, such as developing vehicle emission standards that are recognized at a federal level.
CARB’s latest goal is to help mitigate climate change by regulating the types of trucks that can be sold – and increasing the percentage of electric vehicles.
Replacing Diesel Trucks
At the end of June, CARB approved a new regulation for semi-truck manufacturers requiring them to focus on producing electric big rigs. If all goes according to plan, at least 100,000 electric semi trucks will be created by 2030, thus making it possible for most diesel fleets to be swapped out by 2045.
The CARB regulations could result in up to 4,000 new rigs on the road within the next year or so.
Challenges of Going All Electric
In addition to the actual manufacturing of the electric tractors, two major issues need to be solved before diesel and gas can be phased out.
The first obstacle is mileage. Electric vehicles can only cover about 500 miles before needing a recharge. Diesel trucks, on the other hand, easily travel over 1,200 miles between refueling. This is a huge dispairty, and it’s not the only one.
Another big difference between electric and diesel is the huge time difference needed to recharge and refuel. Recharging an electric motor can take a half hour or more. Compare this to your average fuel stop, and you’ll see the problem.
And this brings us to major issue number two. Electric recharging stations are not nearly as common as diesel stations, even at common truck stops.
It seems like in the near-term, electric semi-trucks may only be worthwhile for short-haul while long-haul is not viable. But the technology may not be ready for the plans that CARB has in store.
Additionally, the American Trucking Association (ATA) has expressed concerns about further economic disruptions during a pandemic.
Benefits of Electric-Powered Semi Trucks
The good news is that, if the technological and practical concerns can be addressed, there are many benefits to electric semi-trucks.
Diesel is expensive, and a fully-electric fleet could save millions for trucking companies. The fuel savings alone could lead many company drivers to consider becoming owner-operators in the future.
Another saving could be found in the durability of the engine. Electric vehicles do not have the same components as combustible engines. Due to this, less wear and tear is inflicted on the engine while it is running. Since less damage is being accrued, less maintence is needed, which means the trucks and the drivers are more likely to be found on the road.
Additionally, the benefits to clean air and mitigation of climate change are most likely to benefit truck drivers who spend most of their time in a vehicle while using public infrastructure. It’s also worth reassuring drivers that electric trucks are not the same as “autonomous” trucks, so resistance to the new clean technology shouldn’t come from a worry about losing one’s job.