California Air Resources Board

Background

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) hosted a public Truck Regulation Implementation Group (TRIG) meeting to discuss the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation (ACF). This was the third meeting of the Border TRIG.

The meeting was recorded and is available YouTube. 

Cross Border Zero Emission Vehicle Concept - Alex Theissen 

• From ANTP – Asociación Nacional de Transporte Privado - Naitonal Private Transportation Association
• ANTP represents the biggest users of transportation in Mexico. 
• A truck from Mexico with a trailer goes to the border crossing zone, another truck takes it through the border crossing zone to the U.S. and then a third takes it to its destination. It is more efficient to take the truck to the border so there is no issue of lost time. Transfer trucks are older trucks with higher emissions, no safety, no cameras, and no telematics. It’s not all the trucks but older trucks are used so the investment is not as high. A border crossing zero emission vehicle could have a small removeable battery to make it cheaper, automated transmission, cameras, and telematics. It would be like the current process; the transfer truck would have fast charging infrastructure in the border zone. This idea is a lot easier and cheaper than making trucks from Mexico zero-emission. ANTP seeks partners for development, next steps would be developing a prototype and testing it. It doesn’t mean that a truck can’t go from Mexico to the U.S.; a transfer truck is often used. 
• Using removeable batteries was mentioned, what would the advantage be?
  • Gaining time, if the vehicle crosses the border, instead of charging for 15 minutes, the battery would just be replaced. If there were fast chargers, a removeable battery would not be needed . Engineering could show what is more feasible to do. These trucks need to move at adequate speeds while using less power from the batteries. There’s lots of possibilities, the goal is not to charge to full capacity; they need to return to the border crossing zone.
• Question about pilot program in Calexico which is a reservation system where idling and wait time is eliminated.
  • This compliments the idea that trucking companies traveling from the U.S. to Mexico can be changed, it’s more difficult than just exchanging the trailer. The idea is to make it better for the environment. 
• In China they’re manufacturing a lot of electric vehicles and trucks, is this vehicle being developed in China?
  • Yes, it is in China but it’s also already in the U.S. 
• The idea is just the beginning and an example of how to start the transition, there is no one solution. This provides a concept on how to move forward and look for a smooth transition. Financing options will need to be explored.
• This is exactly what TRIG co-chairs want to get from this group: ideas and solutions. 
• ANTP will keep working on this project development; currently looking for manufacturers in the U.S. and Mexico to develop this prototype and any help is welcome. 
• NADBank: When talking about economic partners, what is ANTP looking for?
  • ANTP doesn’t have the costs yet; a number will be available soon.
• Based on that number NADBank is interested in promoting decarbonization, it is open to discussing other types of financing. 

TRIG Panel Discussion

• Cal Fleet Advisor (CFA) is a great place for technical information.  CFA can help with incentive funding knowledge. It has a tool called the funding finder tool and advisors can help you navigate it. There is something called Truck as a Service that is basically a lease, but other services like charging and telematics are also offered. There is a company called WattEV that has a Truck as a Service option.
• Can panelists share if they are getting what they expected from these Border TRIG meetings and what they would like to see?
• Recognizing charging infrastructure is one of the challenges, it would be helpful to discuss some of the infrastructure developments around the border. 
• San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) provides infrastructure support through some of their programs. There are a lot of potential applicants that might need more assistance in moving forward, SDG&E Is always looking for participants for that program. SDG&E would be happy to provide an overview of what is available to make everyone aware of that. 
• How will ACF implementation impact workers? How can workers can be supported in this shift, both on the driver side and infrastructure side?
  • Who would be good to bring on board and have a conversation like that?
    • On the infrastructure side CARB has represented labor here already, in terms of the drivers, maybe reaching out to local teams. SDG&E has workers on both sides of this, maybe some folks at the ports just so those voices are included in the conversation. 
• Comment: There is need for more action items from this group, who should help us on what issues are the biggest challenge. More truckers should be in the discussion. For example, Truck as a Service was mentioned, it’s not ideal for cross border projects. A focus group with truckers that are domiciled in Mexico may be needed. Action items are needed to find solutions.
  • The group needs to figure out how to undertake action items.
• If more action needs to be taken; ANTP would like to help. ANTP represents a lot of trucking companies, so it is more than willing to find trucking companies to participate. 
  • It is up to the group if they want to take these responsibilities on. More information about Truck as a Service can be sent. Another email will be sent to the panelists with the interactive document, please add ideas from the third Border TRIG meeting. 
• One of the main objectives for UC Alianza MX is to promote dialogue. Alianza is moving forward with a binational working group, information about it will be shared, it is looking for speakers from academia and if there are any suggestions about panelists, please let co-chairs know.
  • Proposal: A potential study on how many zero-emission trucks will be on the road because of the zero emission regulations and what kind of impact that will have on traffic.
    • UC Irvine is already creating modeling on zero-emission trucks. 

Closing Remarks

• Please weigh in on the idea of action items and what CARB can do. 

Members in Attendance

• Bruce Tuter - CARB (Co-Chair)
• Jail Ixel Cruz Garcia - UC Alianza MX (Co-Chair)
• Rene Chavez - Volkswagen Truck & Bus Mexico (Co-Chair)
• Alejandra Mier y Teran - Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce
• Chelsea Lee - Better World Group 
• Derrick Robinson - Center on Policy Initiatives 
• Fernando Barrera - North American Development Bank
• Glenn Chloe - Toyota Motor North America
• Miguel Ogazon - ANPACT
• Nick Badillo - San Diego Gas & Electric 
• Annmarie Rodgers - CARB
• Brianneth Rocha - CARB
• Yousif Zardo - CARB