Truck Makers Collaborate to Advocate for Electric Vehicle Chargers Daimler, Navistar, and Volvo, criticized for the limited sales of electric heavy trucks, argue that the country requires a substantial increase in chargers before witnessing significant adoption. Despite over four million electric vehicles in the U.S., the heavy-duty truck segment comprises less than a thousand units. In an effort to address this disparity, the three leading truck manufacturers have jointly called on governments and utilities to support the expansion of charging infrastructure for large trucks.
Daimler Truck, the owner of Freightliner; Navistar, under Volkswagen’s control; and Volvo Group North America have established an association, Powering America’s Commercial Transportation, to advocate for increased chargers, grid enhancements, and other measures necessary for the promotion of battery- or hydrogen-powered trucks.
Based in Washington, the organization will be open to suppliers, nonprofits, and other groups. This collaborative effort highlights the critical role government support plays in the transition away from fossil fuels, as demonstrated by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which allocates $1 billion for electric trucks, offering tax credits and subsidies for charging infrastructure.
However, the distribution of funds from the federal government is just commencing, and truck manufacturers express concerns that they have received less attention compared to car manufacturers. Dawn Fenton, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Volvo Group North America, which owns Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks, highlighted the available federal funding, noting the limited focus on heavy-duty charging infrastructure thus far.
