The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant California “waivers” to enforce tougher environmental rules approved by state regulators, according to The Washington Post. This will improve air quality, as heavy-duty trucks emit harmful pollutants linked to respiratory illness and death.
California’s new rules for heavy-duty vehicles have national significance, as six other states representing 20% of heavy-duty vehicle sales have committed to following California’s stricter standards. However, the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to grant California a waiver before these plans can be put into action.
The rules include stricter pollution limits for delivery vans, garbage trucks, and 18-wheelers, starting in 2024, three years ahead of the administration’s latest regulations. Truck makers will also have to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles each year, eventually reaching a target of selling all-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell trucks by 2045. Finally, a third waiver request extends the warranty period of trucks’ emissions controls to reduce pollution over their lifetimes.
A Big Win for Tesla
For Tesla, there is actually very good news, as this is something that could help the company increase sales of its Semi truck. At the moment, the amount of Tesla Semi trucks are not large, but the company is gradually increasing the production of its trucks.
Here are some key features of the Tesla Semi (fully loaded at 82k lbs gross combination weight):
0-60 mph: 20 seconds
Range: 300 or 500 miles
Fast Charging: Up to 70% of range in 30 minutes
Fuel Savings (est.): Up to $200,000 over three years
“If you’re a trucker and you want the most badass rig on the road, this is it” - Elon Musk
The Tesla Semi is a highly potential vehicle that could revolutionize the perception of electric trucks among people.