The guidelines recommend that states begin collecting suggested retail prices set by truck manufacturers, bulk price discounts and the diesel truck equivalent prices to “improve market transparency, and empower fleet consumer choice”.
The guidelines have been developed by Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM, a coalition of state agencies that tackle air pollution), staff administering state electric truck incentive programs for California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, and the International Council on Clean Transportation.
Currently truck prices are not publicly available, which limits “the availability of key transaction data in the public domain,… obstructs transparency in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle market and makes it difficult to assess pricing trends”, the guidelines state.
The guidelines are part of a nationwide trend, including a California bill which would tie receipt of state funding to “full pricing transparency” by truck manufacturers. SB 1213 has unanimously passed two Senate committees and is now set to go before the Appropriations Committee. If it passes the committee it will go for a full vote in the Senate..
The focus on electric truck pricing comes as U.S. trucking faces high diesel prices and the need for affordable electric trucks as an alternative. An ICCT report shows U.S. electric heavy truck prices increased 27% since 2020 but in Europe decreased 32%, despite declining battery prices. Separate research by the ICCT shows how fleet applications for California’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project are now overwhelmingly for the Tesla Semi, which is beating legacy truck manufacturers on prices, range and charging speed.
Craig Segall, former Deputy Executive Officer and Assistant Chief Counsel of the California Air Resources Board:
“Commonsense policy is popular policy. States across the country – covering much of the truck market – know that with transparent prices and fair markets, they can free drivers from expensive diesel.”
Guillermo Ortiz, Senior Clean Vehicles Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council
“Establishing these guidelines is a critical step toward a freight ecosystem that intentionally prioritizes affordability and rewards innovation. By fostering transparency, states are building a marketplace where the transition from diesel is defined by informed choices–ensuring that the shift to zero-emission trucks protects both a fleet’s bottom line and the public’s health.”
Katherine Garcia, Clean Transportation for All Campaign Director at Sierra Club “These are practical, common-sense guidelines that help states with incentive programs address a major challenge for trucking fleets: the high cost of electric trucks and the prices manufacturers charge. With diesel prices soaring and pollution harming communities, public programs must help lower electric truck costs so fleets can choose a cleaner, more affordable way to run their businesses.”
