California is at the forefront of automotive innovation, consistently pushing for cleaner and more sustainable transportation. Recent developments in the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations highlight this commitment, signaling significant shifts for both the automotive industry and consumers. In October 2023, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) initiated a review process to potentially amend these landmark regulations. These amendments focus on refining greenhouse gas emission standards and making targeted revisions to the Low-emission Vehicle (LEV) and Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) programs. This move underscores California’s dedication to achieving a zero-emission vehicle future, and it’s crucial for anyone involved in the automotive sector to stay informed about these changes.
California’s ambitious goal remains clear: by 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles. The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are the driving force behind this transition. Building upon existing emission control rules, these regulations are designed to meet increasingly stringent tailpipe emission standards and ensure a phased ramp-up to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales. This isn’t just about cleaner air in California; it’s a move that is influencing automotive standards nationwide and globally.
Understanding the Two-Pronged Regulatory Approach
The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations employ a dual strategy to aggressively reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, starting with the 2026 model year and extending through 2035.
Firstly, the regulations amend the Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) Regulation. This amendment mandates a progressive increase in the proportion of zero-emission vehicles offered for sale. The technology to meet these requirements already exists, encompassing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These technologies are pivotal in achieving both air quality improvements and climate change emission reduction targets. This regulatory update directly supports Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20 from 2020, which set the 2035 zero-emission target for new passenger vehicle sales in California.
Secondly, the Low-emission Vehicle (LEV) Regulations have been revised to incorporate progressively stricter standards for gasoline-powered cars and heavier passenger trucks. This ensures continuous reductions in smog-forming emissions from traditional internal combustion engines, even as the transition to EVs accelerates.
California already boasts the largest zero-emission vehicle market in the United States. For the latest insights into electric vehicle market share in California, resources like the Veloz Electric Vehicle Market Report provide valuable data and graphics.
Environmental Justice and Equitable Access to Clean Transportation
The benefits of cleaner air and a stable climate are universal, but California recognizes that frontline communities often bear a disproportionate burden from pollution and climate change impacts. Environmental justice and equity are central considerations in the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. Throughout the development process, CARB staff engaged with advocacy organizations at the national, state, and local levels. These discussions focused on incorporating recommendations to ensure that the transition to zero-emission transportation is equitable and benefits all communities.
The core principle of environmental justice within these regulations is the reduction of vehicle pollution exposure across California, particularly in those frontline communities most heavily impacted by traffic-related pollution. By increasing the number of ZEVs and further cleaning up conventional vehicles, the regulations directly address this disparity.
Furthermore, the regulations include zero-emission vehicle assurance measures designed to protect all consumers, especially those in lower-income and underserved communities where the used car market is significant. These measures include minimum warranty and durability requirements, enhanced serviceability, and standardized charging and battery labeling. These assurances are crucial for building confidence in both new and used ZEV purchases, ensuring that consumers can reliably replace older, more polluting vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
Recognizing the need to proactively address equity, the regulations also offer automakers compliance credits for initiatives that improve ZEV access in overburdened and lower-income communities. These initiatives can include offering reduced-price ZEVs for community mobility programs, producing more affordable ZEV models, and keeping used ZEVs within California to support state incentive programs.
Consumer Incentives and Cost Savings
To encourage the shift to zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation, California provides a range of incentive programs for consumers. These programs, developed by CARB, include rebates for the purchase of new and used clean vehicles, funding for home and public charging infrastructure, and support for alternatives to vehicle ownership, such as car sharing and ride-hailing services. These regulations are reinforced by Governor Newsom’s substantial $2.4 billion investment in vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure development, and public outreach efforts.
Beyond initial purchase incentives, zero-emission vehicle owners can anticipate significant long-term savings. Over the first 10 years of ownership, ZEVs are projected to offer as much as $7,500 in savings on maintenance and operational costs, primarily due to lower fuel and servicing requirements. With automakers estimated to offer around 180 zero-emission and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle models by 2025, consumers will have an increasingly diverse selection of clean vehicles to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Zero-emission vehicles are readily available for purchase or lease today, and resources are available to help consumers explore models and available incentives.
California’s Influence on National Automotive Standards
California’s leadership in automotive emissions regulations extends far beyond its state borders. To date, 17 other states have adopted either all or portions of California’s low-emission and zero-emission vehicle regulations, leveraging Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. This widespread adoption significantly amplifies the impact of California’s standards. Currently, over 35% of all new light-duty vehicle sales across the United States meet California’s stringent automotive emissions standards, demonstrating the state’s considerable influence on the national automotive market and its drive towards cleaner vehicles.
Decades of Progress Towards Cleaner Air
Since the 1960s, the California Air Resources Board has been progressively tightening motor vehicle emission standards to combat smog and protect public health and the environment. Today, California faces the urgent challenges of climate change, including extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and wildfires. These crises demand immediate and decisive action. Protecting vulnerable populations, especially those disproportionately affected by air pollution and climate change, remains a paramount priority.
The transportation sector, encompassing passenger cars, light trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, off-road equipment, and the fuels that power them, is responsible for a significant portion of California’s environmental impact. It accounts for half of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of smog-forming pollutants. Transportation is also a major source of toxic air contaminants, directly impacting public health, the environment, and the economy. California’s Recent Automotive Updates and amendments to the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are crucial steps in addressing these challenges and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
For ongoing information regarding Advanced Clean Cars, subscribing to the Advanced Clean Cars listserv is a valuable way to stay informed about the latest developments and updates.
