Is the end of diesel approaching? DTNA and the future of zero emissions

2027 could mark the end of diesel engine development programs worldwide

At the recent Green Truck Summit, held on March 5th in Indianapolis, Daimler Truck North America highlighted the industry’s strong commitment to developing cleaner technologies and exploring alternatives for the future of road transportation.

While a gradual shift towards more sustainable energies is foreseen, it is acknowledged that diesel will remain a dominant driving force in the sector in the immediate future. This focus on diesel engines reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to environmental improvement while addressing regulatory challenges and paving the way for a broader transition to more sustainable transportation solutions in the future.

According to the fourth report on the State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief published last year, a slowdown in the development of new diesel engines is anticipated, suggesting that 2027 could mark the end of diesel engine development programs worldwide. However, despite diesel engines possibly continuing to be part of the industry for more years, efforts made in this decade have achieved significant advances in reducing emissions from these vehicles. For example, a tonnage truck manufactured three decades ago produces emissions equivalent to those of 60 current trucks, as shared at the Green Truck Summit.

Meanwhile, Daimler Truck North America is focusing its efforts on developing alternative powertrains based on electric batteries and hydrogen. The company aims for all its new trucks to be carbon-neutral in the United States, Europe, and Japan by 2039. Despite these strides towards cleaner transportation, DTNA continues to explore multiple pathways for sustainable transportation while not losing sight of the importance of diesel fuel and internal combustion engines in the road transportation industry.

Environmental regulations: towards zero emissions?

Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum informed analysts and investors last week that the OEM is prepared to comply with CARB and the US Environmental Protection Agency regulations aiming to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from large trucks and promote zero-emission vehicles before 2027.

Mary Aufdemberg of Daimler Truck North America highlighted that the third phase proposed by the EPA of its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, known as GHG3, would require manufacturers to sell a higher proportion of zero-emission vehicles to be able to sell diesel trucks.

Furthermore, some states are following California’s example by regulating new registrations of diesel trucks. This means that penetration requirements for zero-emission vehicles could be a limiting factor for customers wishing to register units in these states.