The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new regulation aimed at reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and supporting the transition to zero-emission freight. You can find specifics starting on page 369 of the 1155 page document. The EPA says the standards are for model year (MY) 2032 and later heavy-duty highway vehicles that phase in starting as early MY 2027 for certain categories, though the agency says the finalized emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles are less stringent in the years leading up to MY 2032.

The phase in revises certain MY 2027 GHG standards that were established previously under EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium-and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles Phase 2 rule. The document also provides additional flexibilities for manufacturers to support the implementation of the Phase 3 program balanced by limiting the availability of certain advanced technology credits initially established under the HD GHG Phase 2 rule.

The EPA is also adding warranty requirements for batteries and other components of zero-emission vehicles and requiring customer-facing battery state-of-health monitors for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.

In comments released about the new regulations, CALSTART says the combined incentives through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have shown to be a catalyst for new jobs in the U.S. truck and bus manufacturing sector, helping to preserve existing global vehicle market share. By cleaning up pollution, CALSTART adds that this regulation will improve public health for communities who have long been harmed by diesel pollution.

“EPA’s new heavy-duty vehicle standards represent a step toward reducing emissions and advancing the transition to zero-emission freight, providing a necessary signal for investment in charging infrastructure and bolstering U.S. manufacturing to meet 2030 climate goals,” said John Boesel, chief executive officer of CALSTART. “This regulation will spur investment and innovation that will result in accelerated growth of the domestic zero-emission commercial vehicle industry. In the long term, this regulation will create and protect jobs, while making the air cleaner and healthier for all.”

CLASTART also issued a joint letter alongside a list of companies, saying businesses and investors welcome the finalized EPA Phase 3 emissions standards.