ELECTRIC TRUCK AXLE LOADING REQ. S.B. 501 (S-1):

SUMMARY OF BILL

REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 501 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor: Senator Darrin Camilleri

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

 


CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

 

--   Allow an electric vehicle or combination of electric vehicles weighing up to 82,000 pounds to exceed current axle loading and weight load maximums by up to 2,000 pounds.

--   Increase, from 80,000 to 82,000 pounds, the maximum gross weight of a natural gas-powered vehicle or combination of natural gas-powered vehicles that could exceed current axle loading and weight load maximums by up to 2,000 pounds.

 

MCL 257.722

 

BRIEF RATIONALE

 

Electric vehicles are often heavier than their diesel counterparts because of the weight of their batteries. For example, in 2022, truck manufacturer Freightliner released the eCascadia electric semi-truck, which weighs 4,000 pounds more than an average diesel semi-truck; by 2030, an electric semi-truck could outweigh its diesel counterparts by 5,000 pounds or more.[1] This additional weight ultimately would decrease the amount of cargo that an electric vehicle could transport, and testimony before the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure indicates that many truck carriers are unwilling to sacrifice this cargo space. If carriers do not accommodate heavier batteries, the transition to electric semi-trucks would be delayed, and so it has been suggested that the weight load maximums for electric semi-trucks be increased.

 

Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

This bill would not have an immediate fiscal impact on the State or local units of government. In the long run, allowing these heavier vehicles on the road would wear down the roads and bridges faster and require higher funding at the State and local level to maintain road and bridge quality.

 

Date Completed: 11-8-23 Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

 



[1] Giacobone, Bianca, "Electrifying trucking will mean sacrificing critical weight for heavy batteries, eating into already-slim margins", Business Insider, February 2, 2023.