Trucks can spend hours and even days delivering freight across large distances. Because of this, diesel trucks can be a significant source of air pollution. In 2018, medium to heavy-duty trucks emitted an estimated 440 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the U.S. Transportation companies have recently started searching for better trucking alternatives to minimize air pollution and create a clean environment. Countries in Europe have also followed the trend, with various countries planning to eliminate the usage of diesel trucks and replace them with zero-emission trucks by 2030.
Battery Powered Trucks
In 2017 a company announced the production of a fully electric battery-powered semi-truck. This is the first of its kind and may kickstart the global production of electric battery trucks. The transition to electric may assist in reaching the goal of achieving zero-emission trucks. When they are released, the pricing on these trucks will depend on factors such as production capabilities. For example, electric battery cars cost less than hydrogen cars because the production of electric battery cars is higher.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks
Over the last few years, automakers have started the push to make hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Unlike battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen-fueled trucks are powered by mixing oxygen with hydrogen to create electricity. These are ideal for trucks that travel hundreds of miles daily because, unlike battery trucks, hydrogen charges faster. Also, hydrogen trucks take longer before the driver recharges them than battery vehicles. With the increase in fuel cell trucks predicted to happen in the next decade, developers also must be aware that more hydrogen fueling stations must be accessible to drivers.
WAIRE
In California, another solution that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) proposed to reduce emissions is the Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions or WAIRE project. WAIRE is a system that the South Coast Air Quality Management District predicts will lead to eco-friendly results. This is because WAIRE is a point system that holds warehouses responsible by obligating them to reach certain points. Warehouses accumulate the points in different ways, including:
- Owning a specific type of zero-emission truck.
- Using a truck charging station that is onsite.
- Building a charging station
- The number of yearly trips taken by zero-emission trucks owned by the warehouses.
If this program successfully keeps emissions down, other states and countries may follow along and possibly decrease air pollution worldwide. If you want to move your freight anywhere domestically, call A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420. We guide you through the complex world of shipping by providing a variety of value-adding services. If you require warehousing services, contact us at 786-375-9420.