What Are the EPA’s Proposed New Emissions Laws for Diesel Trucks?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed new emissions laws for diesel trucks, focusing on medium- and heavy-duty truck emission standards. These changes could significantly impact your fleet management strategies, particularly when it comes time to purchase new vehicles.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the proposed EPA standards and their implication on fleet management costs, helping you easily navigate these changes.

What Are the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles?

Since 2014, the EPA has been implementing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards For Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, aiming to reduce their environmental impact.

These standards have been rolled out in phases, each introducing more stringent requirements. The previous two phases set progressive targets for emissions reductions, leading to significant decreases in greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicle types mentioned.

In April 2023, the EPA proposed Phase 3 of the standards, marking a significant step forward in the agency’s environmental efforts. This new phase is set to be the most rigorous yet, with a strong focus on further reducing emissions.

The Phase 3 standards demand a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles manufactured between 2028 and 2032 compared to those built between 2021 and 2027 (Phase 2). To achieve this, manufacturers will be required to follow stricter emissions standards.

This ambitious target reflects the EPA’s commitment to combating climate change and improving air quality, setting a new benchmark for vehicle manufacturers.

What’s New in the Phase 3 Standard?

Phase 3 of the emissions standards is a significant escalation in the EPA’s efforts to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Below, we look at the increased measures:

• More stringent: Vehicles manufactured between 2028 and 2032 need to have 29% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the 2021-2027 (Phase 2) models.
• More vehicle types: Phase 3 encompasses all heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, trucks, and trailers. The previous phase excluded some vehicle types like school buses.
• More technology: Phase 3 encourages the adoption of a wider array of technologies, such as hybrid electric vehicles, advanced diesel engines, and battery electric vehicles. Phase 2 mostly focused on advanced diesel engines.

How Do the New Emissions Laws for Diesel Trucks Affect Fleet Management?

The Phase 3 standards, primarily aimed at manufacturers, will not directly impact fleet compliance. However, they will indirectly influence your decisions and strategies as a fleet manager, particularly regarding the purchase of new heavy-duty vehicles and the gradual shift towards electric vehicles (EVs).

As manufacturers adapt to meet these strict requirements, you can expect increased availability of EVs on the market. This change may initially seem daunting, but it also presents an opportunity for long-term savings.

The trend towards EVs is not just a regulatory response, it indicates a growing industry shift towards sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

Our recent survey of fleet operators reflects this sentiment. Last month, we found that 61% of fleet operators believe that incentivizing manufacturers to prioritize EV production will increase the adoption of EVs within commercial fleets.

This result reveals a readiness among fleet managers to embrace EVs, anticipating the benefits they offer in terms of lower operational costs and reduced emissions.

What Are the Cost Implications for Fleets?

While the average purchase price of a medium- or heavy-duty zero-emission vocational vehicle (ZEV) will be higher than a traditional diesel vehicle, fleet operators are likely to save money in the long term. This includes the cost of setting up electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

One of the primary financial benefits of transitioning to ZEVs is the reduction in fuel expenses. In addition, ZEVs typically require less maintenance than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, contributing to operational savings.

How long it will take to recover your investment depends on the type of vehicle:

These figures are based on the official EPA estimates.

So, while the initial investment in ZEVs might seem steep, the long-term operational savings make them a financially viable option for your fleet.

Broader Environmental and Health Benefits

The new emissions laws for diesel trucks are poised to deliver significant environmental and public health benefits. The dramatic decrease in greenhouse gas emissions will play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change effects and improving air quality.

Additionally, the EPA states that communities living near roadways, often comprising low-income households and people of color, stand to gain the most. The reduction in emissions will lead to cleaner air, helping to alleviate health issues like asthma.

Preparing Your Fleet for the EPA Heavy-Duty Truck Emission Standards

As discussed, the EPA heavy-duty truck emission standards are designed for manufacturers of new vehicles and won’t affect your current fleet. In most cases, the proposed changes will become relevant to you when the time comes to buy a fleet vehicle.

Let’s look at how you can prepare your fleet.

Develop a Fleet Vehicle Upgrade Plan

• Assess your fleet: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of your current fleet, focusing on vehicle age, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and emission levels. Prioritize replacement based on factors such as recurring and high maintenance costs, poor fuel efficiency, or nearing end-of-life.
• Research new power options: Explore cleaner vehicle technologies like electric, hybrid, fuel cell, and biofuel, noting their suitability for your business needs.
• Check charging infrastructure: Evaluate the current and projected charging infrastructure in your area to decide when electric charging might be feasible. The US EV charging infrastructure is quickly growing, with more than 130,000 publicly available charging ports across the country—an increase of more than 40% since January 2021.
• Estimate upfront costs: Calculate the total upfront costs for purchasing new vehicles, including any required modifications. Plan for infrastructure upgrades, like installing charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Set financial targets: Define a total budget and expected savings in fuel and maintenance. Identify and evaluate financing options such as grants, loans, or leasing programs.
• Set a realistic timeline: Create a phased implementation timeline, starting with vehicles that are most cost-effective to replace. Outline a realistic schedule for each phase of the transition, including milestones for procurement, deployment, and evaluation. Include contingency plans for potential delays or unforeseen challenges.
• Plan for operational changes: Develop training programs for drivers and maintenance staff on new technologies. Adjust operational policies and procedures to accommodate new vehicle capabilities and maintenance requirements.

Keep Abreast of Fleet Regulations

Effective fleet management isn’t just about adhering to emissions standards; it also involves complying with vehicle tracking regulations. Understanding these laws will help ensure your fleet’s tracking systems align with legal requirements as they evolve, enhancing operational efficiency and legal compliance.

Finally, stay informed about ongoing developments and regulations. The emissions landscape shifts quickly, and being proactive will keep you ahead. Regularly consult fleet industry updates and participate in forums or workshops related to fleet management and emissions regulations. This ongoing education will ensure your fleet remains compliant and efficient.