The future of California's transportation sector is shifting gears as a recent report indicates a significant uptick in the sales of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles, such as big rigs, delivery vans, and city buses. According to data released by the state, one in six new trucks sold in 2023 were zero-emission, a considerable climb from the prior year's figures. This new benchmark in sales more than doubles year-over-year numbers, beating state goals two years early, as per the Office of the Governor.
State leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, are championing the leap in zero-emission vehicle sales as evidence of California's steadfast commitment to cleaner air and better public health. In a statement, Newsom said, "California is once again proving what can be done by turning ambition into action. We’re achieving our goals years ahead of schedule, the fifth biggest economy in the world is moving away from dirty polluting big rigs and delivery fleets – cleaning our air and protecting public health." The report indicates that a total of 18,473 medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) were sold last year.
California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph highlighted the environmental and health benefits of this transition, especially for communities adjacent to trucking routes and warehouses. These areas typically grapple with some of the worst air quality in the country and often, they are the low-income and communities of color who bear the brunt. As stated by the Office of the Governor, "California set visionary targets to move key transportation sectors toward zero-emissions technology and the market is stepping up to be part of the solution for cleaner air, and climate action well ahead of required targets," Randolph affirmed.
