It's time to incentivize EV trucking in Washington

Yahoo

10-03-2025

Freightliner eCascadia electric trucks used in a Coca-Cola Bottling fleet are pictured in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Truck AG)
Washington's transition to big, zero-emission vehicles (battery-electric or hydrogen-powered semi-trucks, buses, and delivery vans) hasn't happened as quickly as it has for smaller passenger electric cars. But state lawmakers can change that by investing $200 million in a program for clean medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and charging.
While zero-emission vehicles are on the horizon for the trucking industry in Washington, the purchase price and charging availability can be big hurdles for businesses that operate fleets of trucks or other large vehicles. For certain vehicle types, such as semi-trucks, new zero-emission models currently cost almost three times more than traditional diesel-powered semi-trucks. There are also virtually no public charging stations for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in our state just yet. And unlike passenger cars, there have been few incentives or support for fleet operators to make the switch.
A trucking association and a climate organization are not always on the same team, but we've come together, along with nearly 60 other business, labor, and environmental groups, and in coordination with tribal and local governments, to urge state investment in zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to reduce pollution and meet Washington's climate targets.
Two years ago, Washington took the first step by funding the design of a zero-emission incentive program for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The program has an administrator and is ready to launch. This year, we need lawmakers to double down on their investment in this program to ensure its success, and most importantly, make it easier for more businesses to buy clean trucks, vans, and other large vehicles.
Larger vehicles account for about 30% of the state's on-road greenhouse gas emissions. And these emissions have more than doubled since 1990 — Washington's population is growing and e-commerce shows no signs of slowing down.
To achieve our climate targets that have been set in law and to clean up our air by reducing pollution, we must get more zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the road as quickly as we can. We know incentives to buy passenger EVs work to lower vehicle costs and expand charging — it's time to help businesses and fleets large and small transition to zero-emission trucks, delivery vans, and other big vehicles and for the state to initiate work on the necessary charging infrastructure.
The good news is that more zero-emissions medium- and heavy-duty trucks are on the market than ever before. And they cost less to maintain and operate. But the sticker shock of zero-emissions models has meant they are not yet an option for most businesses.
The Legislature could help by investing $200 million in funding from the Climate Commitment Act to jumpstart incentives and make it easier and affordable for businesses to transition to zero-emissions trucks and vans. Washington voters reaffirmed the climate law at the ballot box. The state must ensure businesses are set up to succeed as we accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Legislators can help Washington businesses remain competitive and cut the purchase costs for these vehicles. Cleaner commercial trucks and delivery vans can be a big part of Washington's future if the right support is in place.
Washington should continue to lead by example and show that investing in clean transportation can lower the cost of zero-emissions trucks, help Washington businesses remain competitive, and clean up our state's air.