Car Haulers Ask for Higher Road Weight Limits to Transport EVs

As the electromobility trend grows, it creates new challenges. EVs are usually heavier than ICE vehicles, so car haulers in the US are urging their government to increase highway weight limits, which would allow them to transport more of these vehicles. Opponents warn that weight limit increases also raises potential dangers.  

"The truth is we will not be able to move as many electric vehicles under the current weight limit. That could mean more trucks on the road, delays in orders and increased costs," Sarah Amico, Executive Chairman, Jack Cooper, told Reuters. 

The US federal highway safety standard dates back to 1975 and is set to 80,000 pounds (36,287 kg), including the truck and trailer mass. However, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that US highways have been overloaded with heavier loads in the last four decades, as the average mass of cars and trucks increased from 3,200 pounds (1,451 kg) to 4,200 pounds (1,905 kg). 

At the moment, EVs represent less than 1 percent of the vehicles in operation within the US. However, President Joe Biden’s administration aim for EVs to represent half of vehicle sales by 2030 and expects most of them to be built in North America. The US’s Inflation Reduction Act gives a US$7,500 tax credit to vehicles produced in the region, as reported by MBN. 

Mexico’s automotive sector is also facing major shifts, especially as automakers are preparing for the new technological transformation that will be brought by the transition to electromobility. During the Mexico Automotive Summit 2022 Echo, experts agreed that the country needs to take advantage of the opportunities presented by its privileged geographical position. By the end of 2022, Mexico is expected to export over US$79.5 billion in auto parts to the US and Canada. 

“Mexico is well positioned to become a global leader in the exportation of auto parts by displacing China and other global competitors,” said Alberto Bustamante, Director General, National Auto Parts Industry (INA). Bustamante highlighted that it is critical for Mexico to reduce imports from markets in Asia and the EU, as the USMCA has increased the market of the Mexican automotive industry.