Across the nation, more than 70% of all goods used in our daily lives are transported to stores and homes by trucks. As the nation’s demand for goods continues to reach record levels, our cities face increasing congestion, noise, and air pollution. Residents living along transportation corridors and near freight warehouses bear disproportionate exposure to truck tailpipe emissions, contributing to serious respiratory issues and health concerns.

To tackle this issue head on, the world’s largest truck manufacturers—including Daimler, Volvo, Mack, Kenworth, and Peterbilt—have stepped forward with commitments to introduce zero emission trucks for a range of traditionally diesel-dominated applications, including urban delivery, refuse, and regional haul. Battery electric trucks present tremendous future benefits—a reduction in “fuel” costs, simplified maintenance, and the elimination of tailpipe emissions.

While the benefits sound promising, the path to widescale deployment of heavy-duty electric trucks won’t be accomplished overnight.

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