In an effort to get more information on the commercial vehicle industry’s electrification efforts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a technical Request for Information (RFI) on zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles and port equipment. This will be used to inform the development of the new Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Clean Ports Programs in the Inflation Reduction Act, with the comment period ending June 5, 2023. Stakeholders who the EPA would like to hear from should have zero-emission technology experience or understanding, and may include:
- Manufacturers
- Fleets
- Ports
- Municipalities
- School districts
- Utilities
The EPA is specifically requesting information on the following technologies:
- Zero-emission class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., electric or fuel cell delivery trucks, refuse trucks, utility trucks, school buses, and day cab tractors).
- Zero-emission port equipment (e.g., electric or fuel cell dray trucks, harbor craft, locomotives, and cargo handling equipment).
- Associated charging and other fueling infrastructure.
For these different zero-emissions technologies, EPA is requesting information on:
- Availability including manufacturer production capacity.
- Performance including durability and maintenance requirements.
- Pricing including payback period and lifecycle costs relative to those operating on conventional fuels.
- Practical considerations for program design including project development best practices and workforce training needs.
The EPA has also requested that respondents explain if ZEV-related equipment and components are currently manufactured in the United States, or are expected to be in the near future. The feedback will help the agency understand the availability of U.S.-manufactured equipment and components to better create targeted funding programs and address the current administration’s “Build America Buy America” requirements.
This information will also help inform the EPA in discussions with other federal, state, and private sector stakeholders in helping determine approaches in supporting different funding opportunities.
Request for Information on the Development of Guidance for Zero-Emission Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Port Equipment, and Fueling Infrastructure Deployment under the Inflation Reduction Act Funding Programs.
