Four major truck manufacturers have been linked to 307,000 deaths and more than $1.4trillion (£1.08trillion) in global health costs from diesel pollution, according to a groundbreaking report released yesterday.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed the severe health and economic impacts of emissions from four major manufacturers.
The report, titled "Heavy-Duty Harm", analysed emissions from nearly eight million diesel trucks sold by these companies between 2014 and 2023.
These industry leaders, which control 39 per cent of the global market, are fuelling a silent public health crisis through their diesel truck emissions.
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The report found that diesel trucks have a huge environmental toll worth more than £1trillion
PA
The pollution emitted during the lifetime of these trucks contributes to tens of thousands of cases of asthma, heart disease, premature births, and preventable deaths. Children are among the worst affected by these emissions.
One of the biggest manufacturers of HGVs accounts for the largest share of childhood asthma cases and emergency room visits due to its significant fleet emissions.
The German company also contributes to 36,600 preterm births and 30,800 underweight births. These health impacts impose huge costs on individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems across the globe.
Despite making up just three per cent of vehicles on the road, heavy-duty trucks emit 30 per cent of all road transport carbon dioxide.
They also account for 86 per cent of on-road nitrogen oxide emissions, one of the most harmful pollutants from diesel trucks.
Dr Jamie Kelly, air quality analyst at CREA, said: "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."
The four major manufacturers have made commitments to decarbonise the industry by building zero-emission trucks.
However, by the end of 2024, less than two per cent of trucks were electric, with some manufacturers still below one per cent.
At this pace, commercial trucks are set to become the largest source of transport-related air pollution globally, surpassing passenger cars.
The report makes clear that transitioning to trucks with no tailpipe emissions is essential to saving lives.
The estimated $1.4trillion (£1.08trillion) in damages from diesel truck emissions far exceeds the cost of deploying electric charging infrastructure.
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The report also calls for a greater push towards zero emission trucks
PA
In the United States, $66billion (£51.1billion) would support 1.4 million electric trucks by 2032, while €40billion (£34.4billion) would enable large-scale electrification by 2040 in Europe.
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), only 51 zero emission heavy goods vehicles were registered in Q4 across the UK, representing a 7.3 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.
