⚡ CALSTART Announces Over 52,500 Zero-Emission Trucks Deployed in the U.S.—A Major Victory, But the Race Isn’t Over

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

If you think electric trucks are still some sci-fi dream, think again. CALSTART just dropped its Zeroing in on ZETs mid-2025 report, and the numbers don’t lie: over 52,500 zero-emission trucks (ZETs) are now operating in fleets across the U.S. That’s up from 42,881 in mid-2024, marking a 24% jump in just six months—and a 76% leap compared to the year before.

Whether battery-electric or hydrogen-powered, these clean machines are starting to claim their place on the road—and not just in California. Texas and Florida are rolling deep, too. But for all the headlines, CALSTART says the pace needs to double to meet federal climate goals. So yeah, it’s a win... but it ain’t checkered flag time yet.

📊 Breaking Down the Numbers

52,564 Zero-Emission Trucks are now deployed nationwide

Over 17 states have at least 1,000 units each

Heavy-duty adoption is up, but cargo vans still dominate

Only 67 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks are in operation—most are battery-electric

If your truck’s still guzzling diesel, don’t worry—you’re not behind. But the shift is real. Medium-duty delivery trucks, terminal tractors, garbage haulers, and even Class 8 rigs are now part of this movement. Think UPS, Amazon, FedEx, and public fleets doing early adoption. They're not waiting to be trendy. They're doing it to cut costs, emissions, and downtime.

🌎 The States Leading the Charge

California is still the gold standard. Thanks to incentives like HVIP and strict zero-emission mandates, they’ve got the infrastructure and policy lined up.

Texas is gaining ground with private sector momentum and DOE grant funding.

Florida is showing that sunshine states can go green with utility-backed investments and short-haul electric deployments around ports and distribution hubs.

When three totally different states all make the top of the list, you know the movement’s crossing political lines. This isn’t about “left” or “right.” It’s about freight efficiency and future-proofing fleets.

🧠 What the Experts Are Saying

Tor Larson, VP at CALSTART, put it best:

“The transition to zero-emission freight is no longer a question of if, but how fast.”

That’s the mindset shift we’re seeing. Fleets aren’t asking should we go electric? They’re asking how fast can we switch before our competitors do?

But CALSTART’s not sugarcoating it. They warn the adoption rate must double to meet federal targets. The current pace? Impressive, but not enough.

🔋 What's Holding ZETs Back?

Charging Infrastructure: You can’t just plug in a big rig at Starbucks. Fast chargers and depot energy demands are a logistical headache.

High Upfront Costs: The total cost of ownership looks good long-term, but initial price tags can scare off small fleets.

Technology Lag in Heavy-Duty: Battery range, weight, and charging time still trail diesel performance in long-haul trucking.

Fuel Cell Access: Hydrogen stations are about as common as unicorns in most states.

🛠️ Big Fleets Are Already Moving

Amazon has thousands of Rivian electric vans

Walmart & Schneider are piloting electric Freightliners and Tesla Semis

Republic Services ordered hundreds of electric garbage trucks

And let’s not forget the 140,000+ ZETs on order across the country. Those units may not be on the road yet, but they’re coming—and that changes the planning game for everybody.

👀 Multiple Perspectives

Fleets are betting on clean tech early to lock in tax breaks and brand credibility.

Drivers say electric trucks offer less vibration, noise, and hassle—but still have concerns about range, weight limits, and refueling time.

Skeptics (yep, they’re out there) warn of grid overloads, mineral shortages, and unsolved end-of-life battery recycling.

And states are scrambling to decide whether to invest in public charging hubs or let the private sector figure it out.

Why This Should Matter to Every Trucker

Even if you’re not hauling freight in a Tesla Semi, here’s why this matters:

Regulations are coming. California's mandates are likely to ripple nationwide.

Fuel prices won't stay low forever. Diesel might be cheap now, but one geopolitical shake-up and it’s back to $6 a gallon.

Used electric trucks will hit the market. Think ahead: early adopters will resell at discounts, creating opportunities for owner-operators.

Bottom Line

The U.S. just crossed the 52,500 zero-emission truck milestone—and that’s worth celebrating. But we’re not at the summit yet. The path ahead needs bigger investment, smarter infrastructure, and bold decisions from fleets and regulators alike.

For now, CALSTART’s report is proof: the wheels are turning. And like any long haul, this transition is one gearshift at a time.

Call to Action
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