New zero-emission truck standards are potentially leading to ZEV mandates risking supply chains in Washington state. In December 2022, Washington adopted California’s ACT (Advanced Clean Trucks) emission and compliance requirements starting with model year 2026 vehicles. Beginning in 2025, 7% of all heavy-duty carriers manufacturers sell in Washington must be ZEVs (zero-emission vehicles). The goal by 2035 is to have 100% of all trucks sold by makers to be fully zero-emission. By 2050, the state plans to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95%. While the new mandates are vital for the push toward limiting emissions, they could negatively impact Washington’s supply chains.
How Are ZEV Mandates Risking Supply Chains in Washington?
In Washington, approximately 90% of all customer goods arrive at the final location by truck. The state’s trucking industry believes that the new ZEV mandates will soon create challenges for fleets responsible for shipping cargo. One of the primary issues for supply chains is the cost of buying ZEV trucks. ZEV carriers can cost more than twice as much as a standard diesel truck. Carrier owners with limited expenses may soon feel the costs of purchasing these vehicles. This could lead to trucking companies going bankrupt, withdrawing services, or moving to states other than Washington. Another challenge is that ZEVs can have less than two-and-a-half the payload of a clean diesel carrier.
A truck’s payload capacity refers to how much weight it can safely carry during a delivery. Since ZEVs have significantly lower payloads, fewer cargo shipments can be made in a period, leading to less profit. Along with the cost and size of the vehicle, infrastructure is also a significant concern. Manufacturers believe that nearly 90% of existing routes are unsuitable for ZEVs due to limited charging availability. The type of necessary infrastructure can take years to construct and must include permits. Researchers at the University of Washington note that the state requires 10 to 100 times the current charging stations. However, they do not estimate it happening any time soon.
Will ZEV Mandates Affect The Trucking Industry?
The transportation industry is responsible for nearly one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Along with impacting trucking in Washington, ZEV mandates will have a greater impact on domestic shipping in the entire country. With the U.S. planning on having net-zero emissions by 2050, other states are taking similar steps, such as creating ZEV mandates. For example, New York plans to have 80,000 ZEVs on the road by 2035. The change to more eco-friendly trucking hasn’t come without its challenges. For trucking companies, ZEV mandates will require major operational adjustments. The limited ranges of electric carriers can mean route adjustments, changes in delivery schedules, and more expenses for the companies.
Smaller trucking companies could struggle with ZEV costs, which can increase the need for federal and government support. Despite the challenges associated with adapting ZEVs on a large scale, it is a crucial step to a sustainable future. While this future is years away, shippers still must move cargo by truck. An ideal way to do this is by contacting a freight broker to coordinate the shipment on behalf of the shipper. Brokers have a network of carriers that have numerous solutions for transporting your goods. Reach A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to speak to a broker regarding domestic shipping anywhere in the U.S.