This article is part of a series designed to explain in simple terms the definition of zero-emission transportation regulations, who must comply, what is required for compliance, and morein the United States, accounting for 39% of total emissions . Rapid electrification of the transport sector and the widespread adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles can dramatically cut GHG emissions and help achieve US climate goals.
Under the proposed regulation, original equipment manufacturers must document that their new product line does not exceed the average tailpipe emission limit. This policy impacts the point of sale and does not require any action by the consumer. In fact, tailpipe emission regulations are already in place today, and the proposed rules simply increase the stringency for vehicles manufactured in model 2027 and beyond.
The proposed April 2023 rule represents the EPA’s latest iteration to establish performance-based emission standards for vehicles. Manufacturers are permitted to meet these standards via any means they select, adopting economically advantageous technologies to meet the statutory limit on greenhouse gas emissions and criteria pollutants.
By accelerating the adoption of technologies that reduce fuel and maintenance costs alongside pollution, the proposed standards would save the average consumer $12,000 over the lifetime of a light-duty vehicle, as compared to a vehicle that was not subject to the new standards.What happens next?