A recent report has revealed a staggering link between four leading truck manufacturers and widespread health consequences stemming from diesel exhaust fumes. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released “Heavy-Duty Harm,” detailing the substantial economic and public health burdens associated with emissions from nearly eight million diesel trucks produced by these companies between 2014 and 2023.
These manufacturers, collectively holding a 39% share of the global market, are contributing to what experts describe as a silent public health crisis.
The analysis indicates that emissions from these vehicles have been linked to an estimated 307,000 deaths and over $1.4 trillion (£1.08 trillion) in associated global healthcare costs.
Diesel truck exhaust contributes significantly to a range of serious health issues:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Premature births
- Preventable deaths
Children are particularly vulnerable, with one manufacturer being identified as responsible for a significant proportion of childhood asthma cases and emergency room visits.
The report highlights the disproportionate impact: despite representing only 3% of vehicles on roads worldwide, heavy-duty trucks are responsible for:
- 30% of all road transport carbon dioxide emissions
- 86% of on-road nitrogen oxide emissions – a highly harmful pollutant
Dr. Jamie Kelly, an air quality analyst at CREA, emphasized the severity of the situation: “Truck pollution is an invisible crisis—harming public health, slowing economic productivity, and deepening environmental injustice.”
“The trucking industry is stalling progress while people are paying the price with their health. Electrifying trucks is not just about climate; it’s about saving lives and protecting the economy.”
While these manufacturers have pledged to transition towards zero-emission vehicles, current adoption rates remain critically low. Less than 2% of trucks on the road are electric by the end of 2024, with some companies lagging even further.
Experts warn that if this trend continues, commercial trucks could become the leading source of transport-related air pollution globally, surpassing passenger cars.
The report concludes that transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is essential for safeguarding public health and avoiding substantial economic losses. The estimated $1.4 trillion (£1.08 trillion) in damages caused by diesel truck emissions far outweighs the cost of implementing electric charging infrastructure.
Investment estimates demonstrate the potential for change:
- $66 billion (£51.1 billion) in the United States could support 1.4 million electric trucks by 2032.
- €40 billion (£34.4 billion) would facilitate large-scale electrification across Europe by 2040.
Current adoption rates in the UK remain low, with only 51 zero-emission heavy goods vehicles registered in Q4, marking a 7.3% decrease compared to the previous year, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
