New Jersey’s governor issued orders to accelerate 100% clean energy by 2035 and offer new incentives for heavy-duty electric vehicles.

LAS VEGAS — Autonomous and electric-powered trucks hold great potential to improve safety and efficiency in the freight transportation sector, but it will take time for these emerging technologies to overcome various market challenges and achieve widespread commercialization, industry executives said.

DETROIT — The head of the National Transportation Safety Board expressed concern on Jan. 11 about the safety risks that heavy electric vehicles pose if they collide with lighter vehicles.

The U.S. Postal Service will spend nearly $10 billion for new electric vehicles in a push to make its mail delivery fleet more environmentally friendly.

Rivian Automotive Inc. is shelving plans to jointly build electric vans in Europe with Mercedes-Benz AG, aborting a deal signed just three months ago to share costs and quickly scale up production.

As electric vehicles gradually make their way into commercial trucking operations, fleet maintenance managers are beginning to draft EV preventive maintenance plans for everything from electric forklifts to battery-electric Class 8 trucks.

The trucking industry has increased its focus on sustainability this year, mostly geared toward last-mile operations.

In December, Tesla Inc. plans to deliver the first of its electric Semi trucks — prompting those responsible for delivering the power to ask: Are we ready for this?

In a world where there is growing interest in electrification, drivetrain/powertrain makers are simultaneously pursuing two goals: developing products and technology when electric trucks reach critical mass; and supplying more low-emission and fuel-efficient products.

For those motor carriers seeking to begin or continue their fleet conversions to electric trucks, new federal legislation will offer significant financial assistance.