The transportation industry in the United States continues to rely heavily on traditional fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and propane for its commercial trucks, transit, and school buses, according to a recent report from the Engine Technology Forum (ETF).
The ETF’s analysis revealed that as of December 2023, 99.9 percent of the nation’s commercial vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines, with diesel leading the way at 76 percent, followed by gasoline at 22 percent, and natural gas and propane making up the remainder.
One of the key findings of the report was the increasing adoption of advanced technology near-zero emissions diesels in the commercial trucking sector. In 2023, 61 percent of all commercial diesel trucks on the road were 2010 and newer models, representing a four percent increase from the previous year. These newer models are equipped with the latest emissions controls, resulting in cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
California, in particular, experienced a significant increase in the population of advanced technology diesel vehicles, with a 13.3 percent growth compared to 2022. This growth is a testament to the state’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality.
In addition to advanced diesel technology, the report highlighted the growing role of renewable fuels in the transportation sector. In 2023, over 2.8 billion gallons of renewable diesel and 1.9 billion gallons of biodiesel were consumed, contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality. Renewable diesel fuel production capacity is expected to reach 5.9 billion gallons per year by the end of 2025.
The report also emphasized the importance of continued investment in new technology internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as they continue to dominate the transportation industry. While electric vehicles represent only a small fraction of the commercial vehicle fleet, advancements in ICE technology are expected to deliver substantial clean air and greenhouse gas reduction benefits in the near term.
Looking ahead, engine and vehicle manufacturers are working towards meeting the most recent emissions regulations for both light and heavy-duty vehicles. Advanced diesel trucks are projected to play a significant role in achieving clean air and greenhouse gas reduction goals in the coming years, while zero-emission vehicles are expected to become more prevalent in the later stages of rule implementation.
Overall, the ETF’s report underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to reducing emissions in the transportation sector, including the adoption of advanced diesel technology, increased use of renewable fuels, and ongoing innovation in ICE vehicles. With these strategies in place, the industry is poised to make significant strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
According to analysts, diesel fuel remains the top power choice for heavy-duty trucks despite the growing interest in electric and alternative fuel options. While there is a push towards electric truck technology, diesel engines still dominate the market due to their reliability and efficiency. However, the demand for electric trucks and EV fleet trucks is expected to increase in the future as companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals. Stay updated with the latest developments in medium duty electric truck technology by visiting www.thetrucker.com.