Federal Agencies

  

Advocates Outline Initial Asks For EPA’s Phase 3 Heavy Truck GHG Rule  — “Even as environmental advocates are projecting that incentives in last year’s climate legislation could convert about a third of the heavy truck industry to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030, they are pressing EPA to require additional greenhouse gas cuts via conventional fuel-saving technology in its forthcoming ‘Phase 3’ rules. EPA plans to propose the Phase 3 GHG standards for heavy-duty vehicles in March. Even without those rules, Avi Mersky, a senior researcher at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) transportation program, argued that ZEVs could garner a third of the trucking industry’s market share by 2030, due to the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) incentives and state ZEV truck policies. Speaking during a Jan. 18 panel discussion on the rule at SAE International’s annual Government/Industry Meeting, Mersky cited a May 2022 analysis commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund finding that heavy-duty ZEVs will reach a market share of around 30% in 2029, due to the IRA, state rules and market growth. That projection is about 50% higher than pre-IRA estimates, he noted. During the session, he argued that EPA must set a target in its Phase 3 GHG rules that reflects heavy-duty ZEV sales beyond the 30 percent reflected by baseline factors such as the IRA, state policies and market forces.” [InsideEPA, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

 

Manufacturers, Fleets, & OEMs

 

Ford Motor Co.

 

Ford Leaves Manufacturing Group That Opposes Truck Rules — “The move comes as other car companies have broken ties with the Truck and Engine Manufacturing Association, or EMA, which opposes a proposed rule by EPA to curb greenhouse gases from big trucks. A Ford spokesperson confirmed that the company is no longer a member of EMA. ‘We valued our membership and will continue to work with them on issues where our interests align,’ spokesperson Melissa Miller said in an email. The EMA has lobbied at the federal level against EPA’s climate rule for heavy-duty trucks, which is expected to be released in April. The group also filed a lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board in an attempt to stop the state from regulating trucks for greenhouse gases (Climatewire, Aug. 12, 2022). Ford joined Honda Motor Co. Ltd., General Motors Corp. and engine-maker Cummins Inc. in opposing the EMA lawsuit against California. All of them have left the trade group. Neither Ford or EMA would disclose what prompted the car company to withdraw its membership.” [E&E News, 1/19/23 (=)]

 

New Parents Discover Unexpected Use For Ford F-150 Lightning's Front Trunk. — "Having that space in that vehicle, especially with (MacKenzie) being premature, and avoiding any public areas and being able to do it in the truck on the go, it's not only peace of mind but super convenient and a little bit fun," Emily Jaehnert said. "We pop the trunk, people expect to see an engine and we’re changing a baby. We get people asking about the truck and seeing it as a family vehicle." [Detroit Free Press, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

Hyundai Motor Co.

 

Hyundai Boosts The Availability Of Fuel Cell Technology — “The performance of hydrogen fuel cell systems in key heavy vehicle use cases could challenge the enduring practicality of batteries.” [Automotive World, 1/19/23 (=)]

 

Milence

 

Milence CEO Outlines European Truck Charging Roadmap — “The charging collaborative by Volvo, Daimler and Traton is taking solid steps on its zero-emission journey.” [Automotive World, 1/19/23 (=)]

 

Nikola Corp.

 

Nikola Launches Mobile Fueler For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks – “Nikola says it has developed a hydrogen mobile fueler capable of direct fueling hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, as it prepares to roll out its own Tre FCEV later this year.” [Heavy-Duty Trucking, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

Tesla Inc.

 

Frito-Lay Turns California Facility Into Sustainability Showcase — “With its recent delivery of the first Tesla Semi battery-electric trucks, Frito-Lay is nearly finished transforming its Modesto, California, facility into a showcase for sustainability. The company said it has cut its fleet greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90% using zero- and near-zero-emission technologies.” [Heavy-Duty Trucking, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

Toyota Motor Corp.

 

8,500 All-Electric Toyota Hilux And Landcruiser Models Set To Revolutionize The Mining Industry — “SEA Electric, a global leader in 100% electric commercial powertrain solutions, is leading the charge to eliminate CO2 emissions. The company announced it would convert 8,500 Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser to fully electric powerhouses to be used in the mining industry.” [Electrek, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

Winnebago Industries

 

Winnebago Is Offering Test Drives Of Its All-Electric RV Prototype Decked Out With Solar Panels —  “During this year’s Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, legacy RV and motorhome manufacturer Winnebago unveiled its all-electric, operational RV prototype called the eRV2. This zero-emission RV evolved from Winnebago’s eRV prototype and is being used for test drives to gather feedback from consumers before it reaches its final production-intent design. You’ve gotta check this thing out.” [Electrek, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

 

States & Local

 

California

 

Amazon, CBRE Among New Backers Of California Drayage Electrification Venture — “The two-year-old startup Forum Mobility last month took its first customer collaboration live in Long Beach with the support of Amazon, real estate giant CBRE, and others.” [Fleet Owner, 1/18/23 (=)]

 

Illinois

 

Connect Transit Rolling Out 22 Electric Buses By 2024 — “Connect Transit is preparing to take that next step towards the future with its electric buses. The Normal Transit company recently received $15.8 million in federal grants and funding. Connect Transit received $13 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) bus grant program and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin secured $2.78 million in earmark funding.” [WMBD-TV, 1/19/23 (=)]

 

 

 

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