New data from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows diesel fuel demand is plummeting in the U.S. Only 3.67 million barrels were sold in March, the largest drop since 1998. Experts believe zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) — trucks and civilian vehicles — are a big reason for the decline.
Zero-emission trucking has become more profitable. The decline in diesel has not only staved off more emissions but saved more money with less demand. Inflation is considered another reason why less is being purchased.
Deployment of zero-emission trucks in America has ramped up. Data from CALSTART shows a 546% year-over-year growth in zero-emission (ZET) trucks in 2023. California, Texas, and Florida were the leading states with the highest overall ZET deployments. Arkansas had the greatest percentage increase of ZET deployment in 2023, going from six in 2022 to 345 in just a year.
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CALSTART also noted that cargo vans were the most ZETs sold by a long margin. A little more than 30,000 zero-emission truck deployments have happened between January 2017 and December 2023.
Companies like Daimler and Tesla have rolled out lineups of highly efficient electric trucks, and startups like ClearFlame have been working to create alternative fuel-burning engines for trucks. Major businesses like Coca-Cola have invested heavily in electric trucks for American and European markets. PepsiCo and Frito Lay are some businesses that are purchasing Tesla Semi trucks.
It’s not just trucking that’s going diesel-free. Diesel cars were once a luxury until the fuel prices skyrocketed. They were also known for good gas mileage, but scandals arose around the accurate calculations of their carbon emissions by some major automakers.
The European auto market was a heavy proponent of diesel, especially clean diesel cars. Yet, they’ve gone out of style.
Volvo recently announced its final diesel-powered XC90 SUV. The car was put in a museum right after production finished. The Swedish automaker is focusing heavily on its electric lineup.
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The major truck manufacturers are moving away from developing new internal combustion engines. Many are focused solely on electric power. Hydrogen engines are considered another option, and some trucking experts say drivers would be more open to carbon-free fuel.
“The increase of 25,000+ ZETs deployed in 2023 shows the progress and capability of ZETs in transportation,” Tor Larson, vice president of trucks, off-road, and marketing, CALSTART, said in a press release. “The gap between ZE and fossil-fuel equipment and technology are closing fast. With ZETs now operating in all 50 states, the growth nationwide is very encouraging — fleets are adopting ZETs regardless of regulation.”
Some might see the decline of diesel as alarming, but it’s safe to say many saw it was coming with the advancements in electric vehicles and charging technology. Even clean diesel cars, which never really gain popularity, are on the downswing and almost off the production line entirely.
