More than 40% of all medium- and heavy-duty diesel commercial trucks in operation in the United States – 4 million of 9.5 million diesel trucks – are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to new Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) analysis of IHS Automotive vehicles in operation statistics.
Clean Diesel Trucks Make Up 42% of Class 3-8
More than 40% of all medium- and heavy-duty diesel commercial trucks in operation in the United States – 4 million of 9.5 million diesel trucks – are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines.
by Staff
July 15, 2016
PHOTO: DTF
3 min to read
The new analysis includes IHS Automotive vehicles in operation representing Class 3-8 diesel trucks from model-year 2007 through 2015 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Beginning in 2007, all heavy-duty diesel trucks sold had to meet particulate emissions levels of no more than 0.01 grams per brake horse-power hour (g/HP-hr.) – a level near zero.
"The U.S. trucking fleet is transitioning to newer clean diesel technology which means immediate fuel savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and cleaner air," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "This newest generation of clean diesel trucks have nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions that are 99% lower than previous generations along with 98% fewer emissions of particulate matter, resulting in significant clean air benefits throughout the U.S."
According to Schaeffer, there are now four states – Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas – where more than 50% of the registered diesel trucks are the newer cleaner trucks. And, in 2015 Oregon had the largest increase in the nation of newer diesel truck registrations with a 35% increase over 2014. California has the largest fleet of commercial truck registrations on an absolute number basis, however, it ranks near the bottom for adoption of newer trucks on a percentage basis, based on DTF and IHS analysis.
In December 2000, EPA promulgated a rule that established stringent standards designed to reduce emissions from on-road heavy-duty trucks and buses by up to 95% and to cut the allowable levels of sulfur in diesel fuel by 97% by 2010. To achieve these new standards, the new clean diesel system relies on an efficient engine and combustion system utilizing the most advanced fuel-injection, turbocharging, and engine management strategies coupled with advanced emissions controls and after-treatment technologies including particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, all running on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
New Technology Diesel Trucks States by Percentage (MY 2007 & Newer)
Class 3-8
State | Percentage | |
1) | Indiana | 61.6% |
2) | Utah | 54.5% |
3) | Oklahoma | 53.9% |
4) | Texas | 50.9% |
5) | Wyoming | 49.5% |
6) | Montana | 46.7% |
7) | Maryland | 46.1% |
8) | Louisiana | 46.1% |
9) | Illinois | 45.6% |
10) | Wisconsin | 44.9% |
National Percentage | 42.1% |
(Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2015 vehicles in operation data, December 2015; ranked by share)
New Technology Diesel Trucks States by Percentage (MY 2011 & Newer)
Class 3-8
State | Percentage | |
1) | Indiana | 46.0% |
2) | Oklahoma | 38.7% |
3) | Utah | 36.3% |
4) | Texas | 31.4% |
5) | Nebraska | 30.8% |
6) | Montana | 30.6% |
7) | Wyoming | 30.3% |
8) | Pennsylvania | 29.0% |
9) | Maryland | 28.6% |
10) | Tennessee | 28.5% |
National Percentage | 25.7% |
(Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2015 vehicles in operation data, December 2015; ranked by share)
New Technology Diesel Trucks MY 2007 & Newer (2015 vs. 2014)
Class 3-8
State | Percentage | |
1) | Oregon | +35.4% |
2) | Oklahoma | +19.8% |
3) | Delaware | +19.7% |
4) | South Carolina | +19.7% |
5) | California | +19.4% |
6) | Washington | +19.0% |
7) | Idaho | +18.7% |
8) | Indiana | +18.6% |
9) | Georgia | +18.5% |
10) | New Jersey | +18.4% |
(Diesel Technology Forum analysis based on IHS Automotive 2015 vehicles in operation data, December 2015; ranked by percentage growth)
Topics:Fuel Smarts
More Fuel Smarts
Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths for Truck Powertrains [Listen]
Listen as Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency shares insights into battery-electric trucks, natural gas, biofuels, and clean diesel on this episode of HDT Talks Trucking.
Read More →
Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →
Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast
Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.
Read More →
Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling
In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.
Read More →
Researchers Demonstrate Wireless Charging of Electric Heavy-Duty Truck at Highway Speeds
Purdue researchers demonstrated a high-power wireless charging system capable of delivering energy to electric heavy-duty trucks at highway speeds, advancing the concept of electrified roadways for freight transportation.
Read More →
EPA Wants to Know: Are DEF De-Rates Really Needed for Diesel Emissions Compliance?
The Environmental Protection Agency is asking diesel engine makers to provide information about diesel exhaust fluid system failures as it considers changes to emissions regulations.
Read More →
Sponsored•February 1, 2026
Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results
6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI
Read More →
California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval
The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.
Read More →
Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes
The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?
Read More →