WASHINGTON — A new report said companies in Washington and across the country are still switching to zero-emission fleet trucks because they cut costs and reduce diesel pollution.
The report by CALSTART credits Washington incentives and state leadership for helping the state post one of the strongest commercial EV showings last year compared with its market size.
Dakota Semler, cofounder and CEO of Xos Trucks, said many fleet vehicles do not need as much range as some people expect. He explained that delivery trucks and garbage trucks often travel less than 200 miles per trip.
“With the technology that exists today and has existed for several years now, you actually can electrify the vast majority of our commercial vehicle fleet in North America,” Semler said. “That’s what we set out to do.”
The report said Washington is launching a new $126 million incentive program called Washington’s Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP) this month to help fleet operators move to electric or hydrogen-fueled trucks. It said the program aimed to reduce diesel emissions by giving discounts to businesses that switch to cleaner vehicles.
Stefan Tongur, vice president of business development for Electreon, said wider use of commercial EVs depended on better shared charging options.
“We just need to focus on the infrastructure barriers that are hindering scaling of these vehicles,” Tongur said. “Because they are fun to drive and they are more efficient, they’re cleaner.”
The report said electric trucks were cheaper to run and maintain. It also said drivers reported enjoying them more than diesel trucks.
