Golden State Today

Sales of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California more than doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, now representing one out of every six new vehicles sold for services such as last-mile delivery, freight transportation, and school buses. This milestone surpasses the state's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) goal two years ahead of schedule.

Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the achievement: “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.”

In 2023, California sold 18,473 medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), exceeding its ACT goal fivefold. Since 2021, a total of 26,921 medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs have been sold in the state.

The data highlights ongoing momentum for zero-emission vehicles as new regulations begin phasing in later this year, requiring gradual deployment of clean vehicle technology for fleets. CARB Chair Liane Randolph stated: “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. The data shows that the future is zero-emissions and that fleets are finding value in making the switch early.”

The Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Fleets regulations aim to shift sales and use towards zero-emission technology gradually. Communities near trucking corridors often face severe air quality issues; trucks account for over 35% of California’s nitrogen oxide emissions from transportation despite representing only 6% of vehicles on the road.

To achieve these goals, manufacturers must phase-in sales of zero-emission options under Advanced Clean Trucks rules. Similar regulations have been adopted by ten other states including New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Rhode Island, and Maryland. These states collectively represent over 25% of new heavy-duty vehicle registrations annually in the U.S.

The Advanced Clean Fleets regulation mandates all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold into California fleets be zero-emissions starting in 2036. This initiative aims to introduce 1.69 million ZEVs into California fleets by 2050.

To support these milestones, CARB partnered with leading truck and engine companies through the Clean Truck Partnership established in July 2023. This agreement ensures participating manufacturers meet California's vehicle standards while providing them with flexibility to comply with CARB’s requirements.