Alternative Fuel Adoption in Class 8 Trucks: A Growing Trend with Hesitancy Towards Full Transition
Key Ideas
  • Renewable diesel use has surged by 67% year-over-year, driven by California's clean fuel standards.
  • Federal tax incentives expected to boost adoption of biodiesel and renewable diesel by late 2025.
  • Majority of trucking fleets still rely on diesel, but 14.9% are now using alternative energy systems.
  • Natural gas, specifically CNG and LNG, dominate as preferred alternative powertrains for Class 8 trucks.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) published survey results showing that although diesel trucks remain dominant in the trucking industry, there is a growing trend towards adopting alternative fuels. The survey revealed that 14.9% of fleets operated at least one Class 8 truck with an alternative energy system in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. The most popular alternative powertrain choices were compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG). While most fleets are hesitant to fully transition away from petroleum diesel, renewable diesel usage has seen a remarkable 67% increase, mainly due to California's clean fuel standards. The Senate's proposed tax incentives could further accelerate the adoption of biodiesel and renewable diesel by late 2025. Despite the dominance of diesel, the shift towards alternative fuels is gradually gaining momentum in the trucking industry, with a focus on more sustainable and environmentally friendly options.
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