EV Advisors, LLC, is pleased to announce the completion of the Needs Assessment and Deployment Plan for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Developed by EV Advisors in collaboration with Atlas Public Policy, the Center for Global Sustainability, and EV Noire for the Maryland Department of the Environment to fulfill a requirement of the Clean Trucks Act of 2023, this analysis serves as a blueprint for truck and bus electrification across the country.
The path to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is clearer than many expect, provided we focus on the right vehicle segments, plan our grid upgrades early, and secure consistent funding.
Here are five key takeaways from the report.
1. The Sweet Spot: Class 2b and 3 Vehicles Lead the Way
Contrary to the belief that electrification requires transforming massive long-haul tractors overnight, the report identifies a much more immediate opportunity. Class 2b and 3 vehicles dominate Maryland’s Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle (MHDV) fleet, accounting for nearly 70% of the total population (approx. 134,000 vehicles).
Because of their lighter weight and operational profiles, these vehicles are the closest to achieving widespread adoption on a cost basis. They are ripe for transition now, provided their duty cycles align.
-
The Caveat: While most of these trucks are ready for electric powertrains, specific use cases—such as vehicles required for snow removal or 24/7 emergency response—are not currently conducive to electrification due to battery range and charging downtime constraints.
2. The Grid is Capable (But Planning Must Start Now)
A common concern regarding fleet electrification is the capacity of the electrical grid. The report’s findings are reassuring: The challenges exist primarily at the distribution level, not with power generation, and even at the distribution level there are few, if any, obstacles that cannot be overcome.
Maryland’s utilities and grid are fully capable of handling the load from truck and bus electrification. The projected increase in peak load is manageable—averaging just 0.1% growth per year attributable to these vehicles.
-
The Strategy: The real hurdle is time. Large infrastructure upgrades, such as new substations or distribution lines, have long lead times. To avoid bottlenecks, utilities and fleets must engage in proactive planning as far in advance as possible to ensure power is ready when the vehicles arrive.
3. The Engine of Change: Consistent Funding
Policy sets the target, but funding fuels the transition. The report emphasizes that sufficient and stable funding is critical.
Short-term grants or stop-gap measures send mixed signals to the market. To provide the private sector with the confidence to make multi-year commercial decisions, Maryland needs a dedicated funding source—such as a Clean Fuels Standard—to support both vehicle purchases and the build-out of charging infrastructure.
4. Leading by Example: The State Fleet
Maryland state government has a unique opportunity to lead by example. The analysis shows that many state-owned medium-duty trucks can be electrified right now. However, similar to the broader market, vehicles with demanding responsibilities like those used by the State Highway Administration (SHA) for snow plowing are not yet suitable candidates for EVs. On the other hand, many vehicles in the Department of Natural Resources can be easily electrified.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of General Services (DGS) already have a successful process for reviewing light-duty vehicle requests for EV suitability. This process must be expanded to include medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to ensure every viable diesel replacement is identified.
5. The First Movers: Who Will Adopt Early?
The transition won’t happen all at once. The report identifies specific “first movers” and “early adopters” who are best positioned to electrify early.
-
Best Fit: Vehicles running short, fixed, and predictable routes with regular downtime are ideal candidates. This includes Class 8 trash trucks, Class 7 school buses, regional line-haul trucks, and Class 2b-3 vans for local delivery.
-
Industry Leaders: Utility services, large logistics companies, and local governments are expected to lead the charge, creating a blueprint for the broader industry to follow.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are a public or private fleet operator looking to deploy your first electric trucks or buses, or a utility, municipality, or state looking to shape the regulatory landscape, EV Advisors can help you.
And for more details on the report outlined above, I invite you to read the full Advanced Clean Trucks Act Needs Assessment and Deployment Plan here.