In a bold move to tackle pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the state of California has finally obtained approval to enact a groundbreaking law that mandates over half of all "heavy-duty vehicles" sold in the state to be electric by 2035.

This legislation, initially adopted in 2020, includes a set of stringent requirements that surpass federal laws and is expected to mark a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. According to the esteemed New York Times, the term "heavy-duty vehicles" refers to large-sized vehicles such as trucks, freight trucks, and passenger buses.

While the Biden administration at the national level is also working on new regulations to reduce air pollution from these trucks, California has decided to take the lead and not wait for federal regulations to do the job for them.

The recently enacted law in the state demands that manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles ensure a specific percentage of their trucks are fully electric. The requirements are as follows: 55% of delivery vans and smaller trucks, 75% of buses and larger trucks, and 40% of trucks with trailers and other large trucks. These ambitious targets reflect California's determination to lead the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable vehicle fleet.

The New York Times highlights that while the law was approved in 2020, its implementation was delayed due to its stricter requirements compared to existing federal laws. California had to obtain an exemption from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put it into practice, and this exemption was finally granted in March of this year.

According to the Times, in 2022, only 2% of heavy-duty vehicles sold in the United States were fully electric. Instead, the majority of trucks relied on traditional combustion engines that ran on fossil fuels, such as diesel. These combustion engines are notorious for being noisy, emitting unpleasant odors, and releasing air pollutants, including greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

A widespread shift to electric vehicles, including heavy-duty vehicles, would not only improve air quality and reduce street noise but also help curb rising temperatures worldwide. That is why California is leading the way in promoting electric trucks and, in another recent move, electric passenger vehicles as well.

When California takes the initiative, the rest of the United States is likely to follow suit. The New York Times reports that six other states are waiting to enact similar laws. As manufacturers adjust their design and production plans to meet California's requirements, it is also likely that they will align their offerings in other states accordingly.