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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved important amendments to the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation, providing increased flexibility for state and local government fleets operating specialized work trucks.
Originally designed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), the ACF rule presented challenges for industries relying on service body trucks, utility vehicles, and vocational upfits where electric options remain limited or impractical.
The September 25, 2025 amendments directly address these concerns—offering pathways for compliance while recognizing real-world operational limitations.
Key Takeaways for Municipal & Service Body Fleets
1. Increased Flexibility for State & Local Government Fleets
CARB’s updated rule focuses specifically on public agency fleets, including:
- Municipal public works departments
- Utility and infrastructure service fleets
- Government-operated vocational truck fleets
These agencies now have expanded compliance flexibility, allowing them to continue operating and procuring vehicles that meet their operational needs.
2. Continued Use of Internal Combustion Trucks (With Conditions)
The amendments clarify that fleets may still acquire internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks when:
- Zero-emission alternatives are not commercially available, or
- Available ZEV options do not meet duty cycle or equipment requirements
This is especially relevant for:
- Service body trucks with cranes or compressors
- Utility repair vehicles
- Heavy-duty vocational applications
⚠️ Important: This is not a blanket exemption—fleets must still comply with CARB requirements and use approved exemption pathways where applicable.
3. Streamlined Exemptions & Compliance Pathways
CARB has simplified the process for fleets to:
- Request exemptions for specialized vehicles
- Demonstrate lack of feasible ZEV alternatives
- Align purchasing decisions with operational demands
This reduces administrative burden while maintaining the state’s long-term emissions goals.
4. Alignment with California Legislation (AB 1594)
The amendments also help satisfy requirements under AB 1594, which mandates that CARB provide compliance flexibility for public agency utilities and fleets.
This ensures regulations remain practical for essential service providers.
5. Important Timeline Update
- Amendments approved: September 25, 2025
- Expected implementation: Before January 2027
Fleets should begin planning now to align purchasing strategies with the updated framework.
What This Means for Service Body Truck Buyers
For municipalities and contractors operating in California, this update means:
- You may still have viable pathways to purchase ICE-powered service trucks
- Upfitted vocational vehicles remain supported under exemption scenarios
- Fleet managers can take a phased approach toward electrification
At Diamond Truck Body, we work closely with fleet managers to ensure builds align with both operational demands and evolving CARB regulations.
Compliance Disclaimer
Fleet compliance depends on multiple factors, including:
- Vehicle class
- Fleet type (public vs. private)
- Available exemption pathways
We recommend confirming requirements directly with CARB or your fleet compliance advisor.
Official CARB Source & Reference
For full details on the amendments, visit the official CARB announcement:
👉 California Air Resources Board
(“CARB Adds Flexibility to Truck Fleet Requirements”)
You can also access it directly here:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carb-adds-flexibility-truck-fleet-requirements-amendments-help-owners-continue-zero-emission
Need Help Spec’ing a Compliant Fleet?
If you’re planning upcoming purchases for:
- Public works
- Utility service fleets
- Municipal truck programs
Our team can help you configure service body trucks that meet real-world needs while staying aligned with CARB regulations.