Massachusetts truck dealers struggle as new electric vehicle sales mandate hits hard
- Heavy duty truck dealers in Massachusetts argue that a new law mandates 7% of sales to be electric trucks, which is unfeasible.
- Dealers report an inability to order new trucks this year, leaving only existing inventory for sale.
- The regulation has raised concerns about the future availability of trucks in the state, prompting calls for policy reconsideration.
In Massachusetts, heavy duty truck dealers are expressing frustration due to a new requirement implemented by Governor Maura Healey's administration. This mandate dictates that seven percent of all new medium and heavy-duty truck sales must consist of electric vehicles. Dealerships argue that the electric vehicle technology does not yet support the demands of the industry, and they claim there is insufficient market demand for the anticipated number of electric trucks. Matt Preston, the Vice President of Peterbilt Stores New England, emphasized that without the necessary infrastructure in place, these requirements restrict their operations significantly. The impact of this new regulation is being felt as dealers are unable to place orders for new trucks this year due to the imposed limits. Preston noted that daily customer inquiries for new trucks have risen, but he explains that they can only sell what is physically on their lot. As a result, he has made it clear to customers that when the current inventory sells out, they will no longer have trucks available for sale in Massachusetts. The uncertainty surrounding future availability of inventory has left many dealers in a difficult position as they navigate these new regulations. While dealers express their concerns, environmental advocates defend the new law, pointing to the health benefits of reducing diesel pollution in the state. Jason Mathers from the Environmental Defense Fund asserts the urgency of addressing pollution and bolsters the claim that the technology for electric trucks is advancing rapidly. He highlighted that approximately 35,000 zero-emission trucks were sold in the U.S. over the past year, indicating a growing market for such vehicles. The ongoing tension between truck dealers and environmental advocates showcases the challenges faced in the transition to electric vehicles. As the dialogue continues regarding the feasibility of the new regulations and their potential impact on the trucking industry, heavy duty truck dealers are left hoping for reconsideration from the state before they deplete their inventory, which would leave Massachusetts without new trucks.