In a significant stride towards a greener future, California is advancing its commitment to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) through amendments to the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulations. As of October 2023, new initiatives are underway to refine these regulations, focusing on greenhouse gas emission standards and targeted updates to both Low-emission Vehicle (LEV) and Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates. For detailed insights, refer to the Advanced Clean Cars II Amendments Fact Sheet. Stay informed about the latest developments by visiting Meetings and Workshops, your portal to upcoming discussions and sessions.
Driving California Towards a Zero-Emission Automotive Future
California is setting an ambitious course: by 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold within the state will be zero-emission vehicles. The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are pivotal in accelerating this transition. Building upon California’s already robust ZEV market and stringent vehicle emission controls, these regulations are designed to enforce more aggressive tailpipe emission standards and ensure a complete shift to 100% zero-emission vehicles. Explore the Official Rulemaking Documents for a comprehensive legal perspective. For a clearer understanding of the ACC II and the broader shift to ZEVs, our Frequently Asked Questions section offers valuable insights.
Understanding the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations
The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations are structured to aggressively reduce emissions from light-duty passenger vehicles, encompassing cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, starting from the 2026 model year and extending through 2035.
This regulatory framework operates on two primary fronts. Firstly, it revises the Zero-emission Vehicle Regulation, mandating an increasing proportion of ZEVs in vehicle sales. This relies on established and evolving technologies such as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to achieve both air quality and climate change emission reduction goals. These revisions directly support Governor Newsom’s 2020 Executive Order N-79-20, which sets the 2035 target for all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission. Secondly, the Low-emission Vehicle Regulations have been updated to impose stricter standards on gasoline-powered cars and heavier passenger trucks, ensuring continuous reductions in smog-forming emissions.
California currently leads the nation in zero-emission vehicle adoption. For the latest insights into California’s electric vehicle market share, refer to the market share data within the Veloz Electric Vehicle Market Report.
Alt text: Graph depicting the increasing stringency curve of Zero Emission Vehicle regulations in California, showcasing the progressive rise in required ZEV sales percentages over model years.
These regulations are projected to significantly diminish air pollutants, thereby safeguarding public health and mitigating climate change. While fostering the growth of the ZEV market, the regulations also incorporate measures to further refine internal combustion engines. This comprehensive approach is expected to yield public health benefits estimated at a minimum of $12 billion over the lifespan of the regulations, primarily through the reduction of premature deaths, hospitalizations, and lost productivity days associated with air pollution exposure.
Environmental Justice and Equitable Access
The impacts of climate change and air pollution are universal, yet frontline communities often bear a disproportionate burden, experiencing the most severe consequences. Throughout the development of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, CARB staff actively engaged with advocacy organizations at national, state, and local levels. These dialogues were crucial in understanding recommendations for enhancing environmental equity within the proposals and ensuring zero-emission transportation benefits all communities. The approach to environmental justice and equity in Advanced Clean Cars II is multifaceted, incorporating both stakeholder insights and rigorous analysis.
A primary focus is the reduction of vehicle pollution exposure across all California communities, especially those disproportionately affected by vehicular emissions. By increasing ZEV adoption and continuously improving conventional vehicles, the regulations directly address environmental injustices.
Furthermore, ZEV assurance measures are integral to the regulations. These include minimum warranty and durability standards, enhanced vehicle serviceability, and standardized charging and battery labeling. These measures are designed to ensure all consumers can confidently transition from higher-emission vehicles to reliable new or used ZEVs that meet their transportation needs and uphold the program’s emission reduction goals. These assurances are particularly vital for consumers in lower-income and underserved communities, where the used vehicle market plays a significant role. Building consumer confidence in used ZEV purchases is key to broader market penetration and equitable access.
In addition, the regulations provide automakers with compliance incentives for initiatives that improve ZEV access in overburdened and lower-income communities. These may include offering reduced-price ZEVs for community mobility programs, manufacturing more affordable ZEV models, and retaining used ZEVs within California to complement state incentive programs and policies.
Consumer Incentives and Cost Savings
California offers a range of incentive programs to support consumers in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and adopting cleaner transportation modes. Administered by the California Air Resources Board, these incentives include rebates for both new and used clean vehicles, funding for home and public charging solutions, 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 awareness campaigns.
Purchasers of zero-emission vehicles are projected to save as much as $7,500 in maintenance and operational costs over the first decade of ownership. By 2025, it is estimated that automakers will offer approximately 180 zero-emission and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle models, simplifying the process for consumers to find a clean vehicle that aligns with their needs and lifestyle.
Zero-emission vehicles are readily available for purchase or lease. More information on available models and incentives can be found at various state and federal resources.
California’s Emission Standards: A National Influence
To date, 17 states have adopted either full or partial aspects of California’s low-emission and zero-emission vehicle regulations, leveraging Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. This widespread adoption underscores California’s influence on national vehicle emission standards, meaning over 35% of new light-duty vehicle sales nationwide now adhere to California’s stringent automotive emission criteria.
Background: California’s Legacy in Emission Control
Since the 1960s, the California Air Resources Board has been progressively tightening motor vehicle emission standards to combat smog and protect both public health and the environment. Today, California confronts a climate crisis characterized by extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and increased wildfires, necessitating urgent and decisive action. Protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those disproportionately affected by air pollution and climate change, remains a paramount priority.
The transportation sector, encompassing passenger cars, light and heavy-duty trucks, off-road vehicles, and related fuels, accounts for half of California’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is also responsible for 80% of smog-forming pollutants and is a major source of toxic air contaminants, directly impacting community health, the environment, and economic stability.
Stay Informed
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