California’s stand on diesel

The news that California is to ban the sale of ‘big rig’ large diesel trucks by 2036 and require all trucks to be zero emission by 2042 makes for an interesting comparison with the UK’s plans to decarbonise road freight transport.

Steve Hobson Editor Motor Transport

First of all, despite the Golden State’s reputation as a pace-setter for environmental legislation, this ban comes into force after the UK’s proposed deadlines to end the sale of new diesel trucks.

It is often said that where California goes, the US follows, and where the US goes, the rest of the western world follows. I remember a visit to San Francisco well over a decade ago, when I was surprised by the number of electric UPS vans delivering in the city centre.

The other difference is that large diesel trucks are the first to be banned in California, whereas the UK is stopping the sale of non-zero emission vehicles under 26 tonnes in 2035 and larger trucks from 2040. This makes more sense as smaller vehicles are more practical to switch from diesel to battery electric, while higher horsepower applications will either suffer large payload penalties from the weight of batteries or have to go for even more expensive hydrogen power. But maybe the US is keen to give its Tesla Semi and Nikola Tre heavy electric trucks a leg up? One thing California could do to cut emissions from road transport is enforce its 55mph speed limit for trucks on the interstates more rigorously. Despite a higher limit of 70mph for cars, they are regularly overtaken by speeding rigs, with their usual 12ft gap between the long bonnet cab and twin-axle trailer.

And while they are at it, why not electrify the railways rather than rely on diesel locos?