Mar 23, 2025
For truck drivers in Massachusetts, buying a new heavy-duty truck is about to get a lot more difficult.
As CBS News reports, a new state law from Governor Maura Healey mandates that 7% of all new medium and heavy-duty truck sales must be electric, but dealers are pushing back.
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According to several disgruntled dealers, there isn’t enough demand for EV trucks and the technology is not ready for widespread use in the trucking industry.
"We really don't have the infrastructure in place to be able to accommodate that," Matt Preston, Vice President of Peterbilt Stores New England, shared with CBS News. "Plus, we're very limited in the applications that we have for electric trucks so it really restricts what we can do."
Dealers are feeling the squeeze
The Peterbilt Stores New England in Plainville reportedly has a lot full of heavy-duty trucks, but you won’t find a 2025 model among its stock. As a result of the new EV mandate, Preston hasn’t ordered any new trucks this year.
"We have customers coming in every day thinking they can order a new truck," Preston said. "The fact of the matter is, unless we have it on the lot today, we cannot order it."
Once the current stock sells out, Preston is uncertain about the next steps for his business in the state. He’s hoping the state of Massachusetts will reconsider the law before then.
"When these trucks are gone, it's it [sic] for Massachusetts," Preston said.
The state is also implementing the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which sets a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales for manufacturers. To make up for any shortfall in ZEV sales, manufacturers can purchase credits. In order to meet these new regulations, some manufacturers are scaling back on diesel vehicle sales.
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Environmentalists argue the law is necessary to reduce diesel pollution and protect Massachusetts’ air quality.
"I think there is an urgent need right, given the human health impacts for addressing diesel pollution, and I would say, the technology is ready, and it's getting better every day," said Jason Mathers, who works with the Environmental Defense Fund.
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How the EV mandate affects truck buyers
According to the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, sales of semi and heavy-duty trucks in the state have plummeted a staggering 99% since the new environmental regulations kicked in.
“There was over 1,000 new vehicles on order at this time last year,” Kevin Weeks, Executive Director of the Trucking Association of Massachusetts, shared with Boston 25 News. “Today there’s less than ten.”
With the new law affecting the inventory and sales of gas-powered trucks, those in the market for a new heavy-duty truck in Massachusetts are almost forced to buy electric — at least for now. The lack of inventory for gas-powered trucks is also likely to drive up the price for said vehicles, and that’s assuming a buyer is able to convince a dealer to order one.
For those potentially interested in an EV heavy-duty truck — or any regular electric vehicle — there are pros and cons to ditching your gas guzzler and buying electric. EVs might be the environmentally-safe option, but there’s plenty to consider before making the switch to electric.
The pros
- Lower fuel costs: Electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline, meaning you’ll likely save on fuel over the life of the vehicle. A study from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute in 2018 found that the average cost of a gas-powered vehicle was $1,117, compared to $485 for an electric vehicle.
- Financing options: Banks and credit unions are offering EV-specific loans with competitive rates, and government incentives and rebates can also help reduce the purchase price.
- Reduced maintenance: With fewer moving parts than gas-powered trucks, electric vehicles generally require less maintenance and fewer repairs that gas-powered vehicles.
The cons
- Higher purchase price: Electric trucks typically have higher upfront costs than gasoline models. In 2023, the average cost of a new EV was $2,800 more than that of a traditional gas-powered vehicle.
- Charging infrastructure: Electric vehicle owners are often burdened with a limited amount of charging stations, especially in rural areas and cities where parking is scarce.
- Insurance costs: Insurance premiums for electric trucks may be higher than that of traditional vehicles, though costs vary depending on factors such as the make, model and location of the vehicle.
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
