Zero-Emission Truck Dealer Urges Fleets to Prioritize Medium-Duty Classes Over Class 7-8 Semis

Range Zero Emissions CEO Johannes Ariens argues the zero-emission trucking push is focused too heavily on Class 7 and 8 tractors, saying medium-duty Class 4, 5 and 6 models are ready to electrify now, FreightWaves reported. Ariens said most commercial truck users run medium-duty vehicles that can charge on Level 2 power already available to small businesses, covering daily routes under 150 miles. He called for larger voucher amounts for Class 4-6 trucks, noting 91.5% of nearly 580,000 active U.S. motor carriers operate 10 or fewer trucks, according to American Trucking Associations data as of June 2025. Range expanded in August, becoming an authorized dealer for Hyundai's XCIENT Fuel Cell hydrogen Class 8 truck with Washington as its primary territory, and absorbing Ziegler Truck Group's zero-emissions business and Ethero Truck & Energy's West Coast operations. Ariens said Class 8 will ultimately run on both battery-electric and hydrogen, with hydrogen suited to port drayage. California's HVIP has delivered over $1 billion since 2009, and Washington launched a $112 million voucher program on April 29.