Energy Exchange

Solutions for timely interconnection to speed the transition to electric trucks

By EDF Blogs / Published: January 10, 2024

Transportation electrification is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, with nine states adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires manufacturers to produce increasing amounts of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. There are more pathways than ever for MHDV fleets to electrify, as state and federal programs like those within the Inflation Reduction Act are incentivizing the transition by way of grants, rebates and financing. 

To accommodate the vast amount of MHDEVs gearing up to electrify and help fleets get on the road faster, states can take advantage of a range of available solutions to address existing barriers. For example, one of the biggest challenges utilities face is timely interconnection, i.e., connection to the distribution grid, with fleets that require more capacity facing multi-year delays in some states.

Posted in Electric Vehicles, Energy Financing, Energy Innovation / Authors: admin / Comments are closed

Opportunities for hydrogen tax credit rules to address climate impact blind spots

By Morgan Rote / Published: January 8, 2024

Update 3/27/2024: EDF gave testimony at the public hearing on the 45V treasury guidance. See testimony here and full public comments submitted here.

The Biden administration recently unveiled the long-awaited draft of its rules governing tens of billions of dollars’ worth of tax incentives that will greatly influence America’s nascent hydrogen economy and the extent to which the emerging industry delivers promised climate benefits.

Posted in Air Quality / Authors: mrote / Comments are closed

Northwestern analysis provides more information on the need for ACT in Illinois

By Larissa Koehler / Published: December 18, 2023

This blog was co-authored by José Acosta-Córdova, Senior Transportation Policy Analyst at LVEJO

Transportation is a big issue in Illinois, accounting for almost one-third of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions — the sector responsible for the most GHG emissions in the state. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, such as delivery vans, transit buses and large tractor-trailers are a disproportionate contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, but also other emissions like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter that directly harm the health of Illinoisans. Despite making up less than 10% of on-road vehicles, these trucks and buses are responsible for 67% of NOx and 59% of PM.

Advocates in the state have long been calling for Gov. Pritzker to move forward on key policies to advance zero-emission trucks and buses. Chief among them is the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks and school buses.

Posted in Electric Vehicles, Illinois / Authors: lkoehler / Comments are closed

Electric truck deployments by U.S. companies grew five times in 2023

By EDF Blogs / Published: December 13, 2023

By Marissa Nixon

U.S. companies are expanding their electric vehicle fleets, and last year was monumental. An astounding 10,265 electric trucks hit the road in 2023, according to a new EDF analysis of class 2b-8 fleet announcements.

Posted in Electric Vehicles / Authors: admin / Comments are closed

Unpacking EPA’s final methane protections

By Edwin LaMair, Rosalie Winn and Grace Smith / Published: December 12, 2023

Last week, EPA Administrator Regan announced final standards to cut methane and harmful local air pollution from both new and existing facilities in the oil and gas industry.

Diverse stakeholders ranging from major oil-producing states like New Mexico to tribal air agencies to oil and gas producers and methane mitigation companies have all voiced support for the final standards.

Posted in Air Quality, Methane regulatons / Authors: elamair, rwinn, gsmith / Comments are closed

How a new carbon certificate registry could jump-start global production of sustainable aviation fuels

By EDF Blogs / Published: December 6, 2023

By Istvan Bart, Climate Director

Last week, Virgin Atlantic became the first commercial airline to fly across the Atlantic ocean using 100% sustainable aviation fuels , demonstrating the incredible potential of clean, alternative fuels for flight. We need more planes flying on SAF, because if aviation were a country, it would be one of the world’s top 10 sources of greenhouse gas pollution.

Posted in Aviation / Authors: admin / Comments are closed