NEWSNOTES | April 5, 2023
News Notes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved waivers that will let California mandate that half of all new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) sold in the state are electric by 2035. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed new rules for heavy trucks and requested the waiver from EPA to apply them to HDVs sold within its borders. The new rules take effect next year and manufacturers will be required in 2024 to produce zero emission trucks. CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel applauded EPA for the waiver recognizing that it will spur growth and create thousands of new jobs.

Sweden-based Volta Trucks has received more than $26 million from Germany for 151 electric trucks. This significant move now allows the company to into series production and start selling their all-electric Volta Zero. EAVX has partnered with Cenntro to develop and commercialize all-electric last-mile delivery vehicles. EAVX is focused on the design and manufacture of next-generation commercial vehicles while Cenntro offers a Class 1-4 all-electric cab-chassis.

Look for new changes at FedEx starting next year. The company is going to merge their ground and express units which are their two main delivery networks. For decades there has been an express package business that is separate from its ground unit. As of June 2024, it will be a unified operation.

Hydrogen is the future of long-haul trucking according to a new Guidance Report by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI. The study team concluded that in the long run hydrogen fuel cell tractors are the only zero-emission solution for many duty cycles of heavy trucks. NACFE’s Mike Roeth noted that battery electric trucks will be ahead of fuel cell to begin with.

Oberon Fuels is partnering with DCC Energy on renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) transportation fuel as they work on the design, construction and operation of multiple production plants in Europe. Oberon will take the lead in building and operating the production facilities while DCC will buy Oberon’s rDME for its customers.

Phoenix Motorcars and Endera are both out with new shuttle bus deliveries. The University of California Davis Medical Center has received delivery of an all-electric, zero-emission Z400 shuttle bus which is built on a Ford E-450 Chassis. Electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Endera has released their 2023 shuttle with a 150kwh all-electric powertrain than can achieve an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

The California Energy Commission has awarded EVgo $6.6 million to deploy more than 100 new DC fast charging stalls in central and eastern California focusing on equitable placement to support environmental justice.  And, as a reminder, California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) has more than $500 million available for clean trucks and buses. See the latest news and policy updates at www.californiahvip.org/funding.  If you want to receive updates about the program sign up here.

A who’s who of the clean transportation industry convenes at the San Diego Convention Center on May 17^th as CALSTART presents the 2023 National Conference. Join the who’s who of companies that will be there including bp pulse, Navistar, San Diego Gas and Electric, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Edison International and BYD. Early bird discount pricing is available here.

 RESOURCES

EPA Grants Waivers for California Emission Standards, FleetOwner | https://bit.ly/3KCoc9o 

Volta Trucks Receives Funding, Electrive | https://bit.ly/40MdyCC 

Cenntro and EAVX Partner to Develop Electric Work Trucks, Best Stocks | https://bit.ly/43bonzJ 

FedEx to Merge Ground, Express Units, Transport Topics | https://bit.ly/3GlNoym 

Hydrogen to Emerge as Zero Emission Long-Haul Trucking Solution, CCJ | https://bit.ly/40MlAeA 

DCC, Oberon Partner on rDME Production Facilities, LPGas | https://bit.ly/3m1yiXW 

Phoenix Delivers Shuttle Bus to UC Davis, Metro | https://bit.ly/3MkmURx 

Endera Unveils All-Electric Shuttle, The EV Report | https://bit.ly/3UbdPwc 

HVIP Funding Updates, California Air Resources Board | https://bit.ly/3KxXlKr 

EVgo Awarded $6.6 Million for EV Charging, MarketScreener | https://bit.ly/40ZaORW 

CALSTART National Conference in San Diego, May 17 | https://bit.ly/3M1NgYn