The Biden Administration announced a landmark endorsement of zero-emission transport at COP27. The United States signed the Global Memorandum of Understanding (Global MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium-and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, an international agreement supporting a path to 100% new zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) sales by 2040 with a targeted floor of 30% new zero-emission MHDV sales by 2030.
Co-led by CALSTART’s Drive to Zero program and the Netherlands, the Global MOU was previously signed by 16 other countries including Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Wales. The non-binding Global MOU has also been endorsed by local governments, manufacturers, and suppliers including (but not limited to) California (United States of America), Québec (Canada), Telangana (India), Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, Scania, Dannar, Lion, Heineken, DHL, and more.
This declaration follows a recent bicameral letter, led by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) alongside 15 other lawmakers, urging President Joe Biden to commit to driving climate emission reductions from trucks and buses.
The lawmakers assert transitioning to zero-emission transportation will improve air quality and enhance national security by “reducing our reliance on foreign oil and shielding consumers from disruptive volatility in fuel costs.”
Making the switch to zero-emission MHDVs comes with multiple operational and business benefits including lower maintenance and fueling costs, improved handling, and lower vibration for drivers, as well as healthier air in the communities these vehicles serve. By transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, fleet owners and operators can receive a $40,000 commercial vehicle credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, stimulate job creation, and drive economic growth in the manufacturing sector. Zero-emission MHDVs can also help prevent dangerous air pollution that contributes to premature deaths, asthma attacks, lung cancer, and other cardiovascular diseases.
