The EPA’s 2027 ultra-low-NOx rules take effect on January 1, 2027. That means the first of the engines designed to meet those standards will hit the street in early 2026. That leaves the truck and engine makers less than three years to pull off a minor engineering miracle. That’s a shorter period of time than the warranty engine makers will have to add to the new engines and emissions systems.

Equipment Editor Jim Park talks with ACT Research Vice President and Senior Analyst Tim Denoyer about the likelihood of a pre-buy occurring ahead of the new emissions rules. He believes the cost and complexity of the new trucks and engines will see fleets stocking up on pre-2027 trucks before the 2026 deadline.  

In This Episode:

• The California pre-buy

• Emissions cost may outstrip fuel savings

• Used truck pricing will be very competitive

• Fewer diesel engine makers

• The impact of the CARB Omnibus Clean Trucks rule

• The impact of GHG Phase 3 in 2030

• Industry will survive, and probably be stronger

More About EPA 2027

EPA 2027 and Beyond: How Will New Low-NOx Rules Affect Fleets?

Is the Largest Truck Prebuy Ever on the Horizon?

Environmental Group Says ‘No Evidence’ of Truck Prebuys