June 2026

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EPA Proposes to Delay Tier 4 Vehicle Emission Standards

The U.S. EPA has proposed revising the timeline for Tier 4 criteria pollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, pushing implementation from model year 2027 to 2029. The agency said the proposal is intended to provide automakers additional flexibility to address technology readiness, supply chain constraints, and market challenges while continuing compliance with existing Tier 3 standards.

The EPA has scheduled public hearings on 3–4 June 2026 and has solicited public comments with a deadline of 6 July 2026.

(A summary is available for all readers, with a detailed analysis for premium members)

ACT 2026 in pictures

ACT Expo, one of North America's largest advanced transportation events, was held in Las Vegas. It featured keynote talks, panel discussions, ride & drive events, and a massive display of advanced technologies. The industry continues to show off ready-to-deploy advanced trucking & off-road technologies — while also being mindful of the market and regulatory pull for low NOx compliant and fuel efficient diesels.

Policies, Regulations, Reports

US House Advances Bill to Expand Year-Round E15: Senate is still a hurdle

The U.S. House has advanced legislation aimed at allowing year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline. The bill cleared 218-203, with support concentrated among Midwest lawmakers tied to corn and biofuels interests, while refinery-state Republicans pushed back over compliance costs and market distortions.

The bill still needs to clear the Senate vote before heading for the Presidential signature. The Senate is split amongst party and industry lines, and the bill is tied with other provisions included in the Farm Bill, which in turn has now advanced to the Senate.

Impact of gas price on powertrain choice? Hybrids up, EVs not so much (so far)

On average, Americans are paying ~60% more for gas compared to the start of this year. For new or potential car buyers, this could drive a change in preference for electrified options. Per a report by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), share of year-to-date through May sales of conventional hybrid was 15.2%, an increase of 2.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Hybrid sales volume is up 14.8% year over year. However, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are not receiving the same love yet — sales are down 30.8% year over year through May, and have lost 2 percentage points of market share, falling to just 5.3% share so far this year.

Delhi moves forward with ambitious EV mandates and scrappage programs

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has approved new measures to reduce vehicular pollution and accelerate adoption of EVs across Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Key decisions include phased registration of electric-only three-wheelers, phased in over 2027–2029 across the NCR.

Also approved is a Rs. 9,585 crore (~$1B) budget from the Central Government, for replacement of old BS-III and BS-IV trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR, with modern BS-VI compliant ones.

Toyota Receives ARAI's First WLTP Compliance Certificate

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has awarded Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. its first WLTP compliance certificate under AIS:175 for the "LEXUS LM 350h" and its variants. The milestone highlights Toyota's early readiness for globally harmonized emission standards, ahead of the implementation from April 1, 2027, for select vehicle categories.

Electrification

Honda Reports First Annual Loss Amid EV Restructuring

Honda reported its first annual loss since listing in 1957, driven by more than $9 billion in EV restructuring costs and weaker-than-expected electric vehicle demand. The automaker has scrapped key long-term EV sales targets and indefinitely suspended its planned $11 billion Canada EV project. It has cancelled plans to introduce 3 new EVs in the US, where it sees a stronger pull for hybrids instead.

Despite the setback, Honda expects to return to profitability this fiscal year through cost reductions and strong performance from its motorcycle business, particularly in India and Brazil. The company also plans to increase focus on hybrid vehicles as it recalibrates its electrification strategy.

California Launches $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks

California has launched a new $1 billion rebate program to accelerate adoption of electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Under the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) program, fleets will be eligible for point-of-sale rebates ranging from $7,500 to $120,000 for electric commercial vehicles, including delivery vans, box trucks, drayage trucks, and electric semis.

Funded through the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the initiative aims to reduce freight emissions, improve air quality, and support fleet electrification across California through 2030.

Joint Initiatives announced on Battery Recycling & Critical Minerals

The EU and India have launched a €15.2 million (₹169 crore) initiative to boost EV battery recycling and strengthen sustainable battery supply chains. The partnership will support advanced recycling technologies, critical mineral recovery, and circular economy solutions to support the growing EV market and clean transportation goals. A joint call for proposals was opened on 5th May.

Leaders from Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. met for a "Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting" in New Delhi, India. One outcome was the announcement of a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, which will mobilize up to $20 billion in government & private sector support to strengthen critical minerals supply chains, including in mining, processing, and recycling.

DAF Begins Production of XG Electric Trucks for Long-Haul Transport

DAF has officially started series production of its new XG Electric and XG+ Electric heavy-duty trucks, expanding its zero-emission lineup for long-haul transport applications. Built in Eindhoven, the electric truck range features the PACCAR EX-D2 electric powertrain delivering outputs between 270kW and 350kW (370–480hp) with up to 2,400Nm of torque, supported by modular lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs that enable driving ranges of more than 500km depending on application.

The new models extend DAF's EV portfolio from urban distribution vehicles to long-haul operations, preparing for a growing shift toward electrified commercial transport in Europe.

Engines & Fuels

Volvo Unveils New Multi-Fuel Combustion Engine Platform

Volvo Trucks has unveiled a new 13-liter combustion engine platform designed for improved fuel efficiency and compatibility with multiple alternative fuels, including biodiesel, HVO, and bio-LNG. The new engines offer up to 4% lower fuel consumption and will power Volvo's FH, FH Aero, FM, and FMX truck ranges. Sales are set to begin in Q3 2026 across Europe, India, and other key markets as Volvo continues its multi-path strategy toward low-emission transport.

Propane Technologies Gain Momentum at ACT Expo 2026

Propane-based technologies emerged as a strong theme at ACT Expo 2026, highlighting their growing role in commercial fleet decarbonization. Industry players showcased advanced propane engines, direct-injection systems, and renewable propane solutions aimed at reducing emissions while leveraging existing fueling infrastructure. The event reflected increasing fleet interest in cost-effective, near-term clean transportation solutions that balance sustainability goals with operational reliability and lower total cost of ownership.

Chevron Launches Next-Generation Techron Gasoline Additive

Chevron has introduced a reformulated version of its Techron gasoline additive across Chevron and Texaco fuel stations in the U.S., aimed at improving engine cleanliness and long-term performance. The company said the next-generation Techron formulation is designed to remove harmful deposits caused by lower-quality fuels and can help clean up to 100% of certain engine deposits when used consistently.

Renault Launches LPG Bi-Fuel Clio With 1,450km Range

Renault has introduced a new LPG bi-fuel version of the Clio hatchback featuring the Eco-G 120 powertrain, capable of delivering a combined driving range of up to 1,450km. The model uses a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an EDC automatic gearbox, producing 120hp and 200Nm of torque.

Renault says the updated LPG system offers lower CO2 emissions and reduced running costs compared with conventional petrol vehicles, while the enlarged 50-liter LPG tank improves long-distance usability. The Clio Eco-G 120 is positioned as an affordable low-emission alternative for customers seeking extended range without full electrification.

Gensets for Data Centers

The expansion of data centers to accommodate AI-compute demands is spurring the deployment of gensets for backup power and behind-the-meter power generation. MobilityNotes is monitoring the market and technological impacts in this area.

NextEra-Dominion Merger Highlights Growing AI-Driven Power Demand

NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy are reportedly pursuing a major merger that could create one of the world's largest utility companies, driven largely by surging electricity demand from AI data centers. The combined company would significantly expand its footprint across key U.S. data center markets, particularly Northern Virginia, where AI and cloud infrastructure growth is accelerating rapidly.

The 3rd Off-Highway & Power Generation USA conference was held at Indianapolis on May 20-21.

The agenda covered a broad range of topics pertinent to non-road engines — market, technology, fuels, emissions control — and also an entire day dedicated to the power generation sector, which is seeing significant growth due to demand from data centers.

MobilityNotes presented the regulatory backdrop and the emission implications of backup gensets being used for data centers. To put it in context, it was shown that the NOx emissions from gensets backing up a single 300MW data center equate to those from ~600 MY2010