In a press conference held on November 29, 2023, the call for stronger EPA regulations echoed through the voices of senators and industry business leaders. Workhorse took the stage, represented by Ben Drake, VP of Government Relations.
As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-28) gets underway, a strong EPA Phase 3 emissions rule is a crucial opportunity for the United States to make major progress toward the Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles that the U.S. signed last year at COP27. Workhorse fully endorsed the ambition of the Global MOU ahead of COP-27.
The EPA stands at the forefront of an opportunity to lead, ensuring that the nation’s fleet owners and operators can harness the advantages of zero-emission vehicles. As a pioneer among all-electric OEMs, Workhorse stands firmly behind an Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) aligned EPA standard. This alignment empowers fleet owners and operators to realize the fuel cost and maintenance savings offered by commercial EVs. Beyond the bottom line, standards alignment simplifies operations for U.S. fleet owners and will have a significant impact on reducing emissions. A strong EPA rule will also provide businesses with the confidence they need to invest in electric vehicle technology.
Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicles make up five percent of total vehicles in the U.S., yet account for approximately 24 percent of the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.
source: www.rff.org
Senators Padilla and Whitehouse Champion the Cause
Senator Alex Padilla of California, followed by Senator Whitehouse of Rhode Island, took the stage to emphasize the urgent need for EPA action. Padilla’s personal reflections on the impact of vehicle emissions in his childhood highlighted the tangible threat posed by heavy-duty vehicles. Drawing attention to the disproportionate impact on communities of color, he underscored the obligation to stand up for those most affected.
Senator Whitehouse further emphasized the importance of swift EPA action, not only for health reasons but also for economic competitiveness, positioning the United States to effectively navigate global challenges, including potential carbon tariffs and achieving goals under the COP27 Global MOU.
Their impassioned pleas align with Workhorse’s commitment to cleaner transportation. As a leader in the electrification of commercial vehicles, Workhorse support their call to finalize the strongest possible Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emissions rule by the winter of 2024.
Workhorse’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Representing Workhorse at the press conference, Ben Drake, emphasized the company’s role as an all-electric vehicle and drone manufacturer. “Our commitment extends beyond manufacturing; we also operate a fleet electrification business and are actively involved in shaping a cleaner future for last-mile delivery routes.”
Drake highlighted the strategic significance of the 150-mile range for Workhorse trucks, emphasizing how this aligns with the typical length of last-mile delivery routes. “For the packages that we receive at our front doorstep, 97 percent of those routes are less than 150 miles; and 70 percent are less than 100 miles. This entire segment is fully electrifiable today.”
He also referenced the company’s Stables by Workhorse business, a real-world showcase for managing the transition to electric through FedEx Ground routes. Since implemented in 2022, Stables electric last-mile trucks are realizing year-over-year savings of over 60% in maintenance and fuel costs vs ICE vehicles.
Industry Leaders Rally Behind a Greener Vision
The press conference featured comments from multiple business leaders, each echoing the urgent need for a robust EPA rule. Matt LaDuke of Forum Mobility shared insights into their heavy-duty charging depot for battery electric trucks. His parallel between the growth of the solar industry and the potential for electric freight highlighted the transformative power of clear goals and thoughtful leadership.
Nicholas Runge of InCharge Energy emphasized the importance of a national rule for market certainty. He explained that regulatory clarity will accelerate the growth of electric vehicles across the nation, driving down costs and promoting a more accessible ecosystem.
Nick Baguio of Lion Electric, a manufacturer of zero-emission busses and trucks, shared the impact of pollution on communities and the readiness of American manufacturing to support a strong EPA rule.
Sam Vercellotti of TeraWatt highlighted the company’s commitment to building a nationwide charging network for fleet vehicles. Grid modernization is a crucial component in facilitating the transition to electric trucking, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place.
Forging a Collective Commitment Towards Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Transportation
In July, Workhorse joined 64 businesses, fleet operators, and investors urging the EPA to finalize strong nationwide standards. The cohort represents more than $151 billion in annual revenue and overseeing more than $325 billion in assets under management. Additionally, the group advocated for greenhouse gas standards for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles that closely align with the administration’s climate goals and commitment to the Paris Agreement signed at COP-19.
As Workhorse advocates for nationwide adoption of zero-emission vehicles, it’s heartening to observe bipartisan support for the EV transition. A compelling example of this commitment is in the company’s home state of Ohio. The Ohio Electric Vehicle Workforce Strategy, launched by Lt. Governor Jon Husted, exemplifies bipartisan support for the national transition to EVs.
This strategic plan, developed in collaboration with industry partners, employers, and education organizations, focuses on strengthening Ohio’s advanced manufacturing workforce to address workforce gaps in the growing EV sector. The comprehensive strategy not only outlines a pathway for increasing career awareness and broadening the talent pool but also anticipates the creation of over 25,000 new jobs by 2030—a nearly 30 percent increase in the automotive manufacturing sector workforce.
This forward-looking initiative underscores bipartisan commitment at both the state and national levels to propel the nation towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.
The commercial electric vehicle industry is evolving, and Workhorse is leading the way. Join us in this electrifying journey towards a cleaner, more efficient future. For more information about how Workhorse can transform your last-mile delivery operations, visit our website or contact us.