Massachusetts faces a drastic drop in truck sales due to new regulations mandating electric vehicles that aren’t available
Kevin Weeks, the Executive Director of the association, explains that manufacturers can’t sell diesel trucks unless they have buyers for electric ones. The problem? There’s hardly any demand for electric trucks because they’re not available, they cost a lot, and there’s almost no charging infrastructure.
Weeks pointed out, “These trucks simply do not exist.” He feels like common sense is missing in this situation. Massachusetts is one of 11 states following California’s lead on emissions rules. The Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulation started on January 1, requiring a growing number of zero-emission vehicles until they’re banned by 2036.
For this year, 11% of all heavy-duty trucks sold in 2025 need to be electric. Vickash Mohanka from the Massachusetts Sierra Club says transportation is the biggest source of emissions in the state. He believes that if they stick to these rules, it could save thousands of lives over the next 30 years.
Mohanka also mentioned that truck manufacturers were involved in creating these regulations and had enough time to prepare. But according to the Department of Energy, there are no public charging stations for electric big rigs in Massachusetts.
Joseph Nolan from the Utility Contractors’ Association said that fleets wanting to go electric need to work with power companies to set up charging stations, which can take years. It’s not just a simple task; it involves building expensive power stations.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said large trucks can use fast chargers if there’s space. They’re investing hundreds of millions in rebates and charging infrastructure, including mobile stations.
DEP has paused enforcing ACT for cities buying vehicles for snow removal, but the rules still apply to the private sector. A DEP spokesperson said these adjustments help Massachusetts align with other states while ensuring public safety.
Many in the trucking industry, including contractors and lawmakers, have asked Governor Maura Healey to delay the ACT regulations. Over 30 lawmakers sent a letter saying that implementing these rules now could lead to more emissions and hurt public and private partners.
Weeks added that truck operators are stuck using older diesel models because of the new rules. He warned that getting involved with these regulations too soon could be financially disastrous for companies.
