Policy changes on horizon for autonomous and electric trucks

BIO: Rundle left Eaton Corporation after 20 years to join a small research and development startup focused on advanced lithium-ion battery technologies. She transitioned into independent consulting projects focused on developing growth strategies for new technologies, primarily in industrial and commercial vehicle markets. Rundle most recently was with Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis), leading their global strategy and planning for electrified vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric and fuel cells for automotive and commercial vehicle applications.

KEY QUOTES FROM RUNDLE:

“Do the multiple hours where trucks operating on autonomous systems on a stretch of interstate count on a driver’s hours-of-service [requirements]? I would expect to see the FMCSA [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration] taking a look at that and figure out how that might change.”

“Instead of having to be inspected at the roadside, there will likely be a way for an automated truck to wirelessly communicate back the truck’s operating conditions.”

“The $40,000 tax incentives [in the Inflation Reduction Act] that apply to electric medium and heavy-duty trucks extend through 2032. By that time, we would expect that through technology improvements those [electric vehicle] costs are going to come down. So that $40,000 becomes a larger chunk of the cost.”