Energy Vision launches report looking at alternative fuel options for older truckers

In New York state, Energy Vision recently released a report assessing ways to replace heavy-duty diesel trucks built before 2013. The report, “A Path to a Healthier America: Ditching Old Diesel Trucks,” focuses on replacing 130,000 heavy-duty diesel vehicles built before 2013 in 31 highly populated U.S. counties, including the 10 largest metro areas.

These trucks have the worst air emissions of all vehicles on U.S. roads, yet 2.4 million of them still operate nationwide. Diesel trucks emit carcinogenic particulates, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful chemicals which contribute to smog and acid rain, as well as high GHGs.

Of the non-fossil fuel alternatives the report evaluated — battery electric vehicles, new diesel models running on renewable diesel (RD) made from vegetable oils and animal fats, and compressed natural gas trucks running on renewable natural gas (RNG) made from organic wastes — RNG was the overall winner.

Electric trucks are by far the most expensive option for replacing diesel trucks, costing around $250,000 more. EV trucks have limited availability and haven’t performed as well as diesels. While their tailpipe emissions are zero, much of their electricity still comes from fossil fuels. They also emit non-exhaust particulate pollution from tire and road wear.