The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by growing environmental concerns and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Across the United States, states are exploring and implementing various clean car programs to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). While Arizona may be considering its own initiatives, it’s crucial to understand the landscape by examining leading examples, such as the groundbreaking Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) regulations in California. These regulations are setting a benchmark for states aiming to create a cleaner transportation future.
California, a frontrunner in environmental policy, is spearheading the transition to electric vehicles with its ambitious Advanced Clean Cars II program. Announced with the goal of phasing out gasoline-powered passenger vehicles, the ACCII regulations represent a bold step towards a zero-emission transportation sector. By 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California are mandated to be zero emissions. This initiative not only addresses climate change but also aims to improve air quality and public health.
Alt Text: Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Stringency Curve illustrating the increasing percentage of required ZEV sales in California from 2026 to 2035, demonstrating the progressive ramp-up of the Advanced Clean Cars II program.
Key Components of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations
The ACCII regulations operate on a dual strategy to aggressively reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles, encompassing passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, starting from the 2026 model year through 2035.
Firstly, the program amends the Zero-emission Vehicle Regulation, establishing a progressively increasing requirement for ZEV sales. This mandate leverages readily available technologies including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This amendment directly supports California Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20 from 2020, which set the ambitious target for all new passenger vehicle sales in California to be zero-emission by 2035.
Secondly, the Low-emission Vehicle Regulations have been strengthened to impose more rigorous emission standards for traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and heavier passenger trucks. This ensures ongoing reductions in smog-forming emissions from internal combustion engines while the transition to ZEVs accelerates.
California already boasts the largest ZEV market in the United States. The Veloz Electric Vehicle Market Report provides up-to-date data on California’s electric vehicle market share, highlighting the state’s leadership in EV adoption.
These comprehensive regulations are projected to deliver substantial reductions in air pollutants, resulting in significant public health improvements and mitigating climate change impacts. Beyond fostering the growth of the ZEV market, the ACCII regulations also enhance the cleanliness of conventional combustion engines. It’s estimated that the public health benefits will reach at least $12 billion over the lifespan of the regulations, stemming from reduced premature deaths, fewer hospitalizations, and decreased lost workdays associated with air pollution exposure.
Environmental Justice and Equity in Clean Transportation
The consequences of climate change and air pollution disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Recognizing this, the development of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations involved extensive consultation with advocacy organizations at national, state, and local levels. These discussions aimed to incorporate recommendations on environmental justice and equity considerations into the zero-emission transportation transition.
The ACCII regulations address environmental justice through multiple avenues:
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Pollution Reduction in Frontline Communities: By increasing ZEV adoption and cleaning up conventional vehicles, the regulations directly reduce vehicle pollution exposure across California, with a particular focus on frontline communities that are often disproportionately burdened by vehicular pollution.
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Zero-Emission Vehicle Assurance Measures: To ensure equitable access and long-term benefits for all consumers, especially those in lower-income and underserved communities where used vehicle markets are significant, the regulations include robust assurance measures. These encompass minimum warranty and durability requirements, enhanced serviceability, and standardized charging and battery labeling. These measures build consumer confidence in both new and used ZEVs.
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Compliance Opportunities for Automakers: The regulations offer automakers incentives to proactively improve ZEV access in overburdened and lower-income communities. These opportunities include offering reduced-price ZEVs for community mobility programs, producing more affordable ZEV models, and retaining used ZEVs within California to support existing state incentive programs.
Consumer Incentives and Cost Savings
To further encourage the shift to zero-emission vehicles, California provides a range of incentive programs for consumers. These initiatives, developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), include rebates for both new and used clean vehicles, funding for home and public charging infrastructure, and support for alternative clean transportation options like car sharing and ride-hailing services. These programs are backed by Governor Newsom’s substantial $2.4 billion investment dedicated to vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure development, and public outreach.
Beyond financial incentives, ZEV ownership offers significant long-term cost savings. Owners are projected to save as much as $7,500 in maintenance and operational costs over the first 10 years of ownership compared to gasoline vehicles. With automakers expected to offer approximately 180 ZEV and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle models by 2025, consumers have an ever-expanding selection of clean vehicles to suit their needs and lifestyles.
Zero-emission vehicles are readily available for purchase or lease today. Resources are available to help consumers learn more about ZEV models and available incentives.
California’s Influence on National Emission Standards
California’s leadership in automotive emissions regulations extends beyond its borders. 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 means that over 35% of new light-duty vehicle sales nationwide now adhere to California’s stringent automotive emissions standards. This demonstrates the significant influence of California’s policies in driving cleaner vehicle adoption across the country.
The Urgency for Clean Transportation
California’s commitment to clean air dates back to the 1960s, with the California Air Resources Board consistently working to reduce vehicle emissions. Today, the state faces a climate crisis characterized by extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and wildfires, demanding immediate and decisive action. Protecting vulnerable populations, disproportionately impacted by air pollution and climate change, is a paramount priority.
The transportation sector, encompassing passenger cars, light and heavy-duty trucks, off-road vehicles, 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, 80% of smog-causing pollutants, and is a major source of toxic air contaminants, directly affecting public health, the environment, and the economy.
Learn More About Clean Car Initiatives
For those interested in staying informed about advancements in clean car programs and regulations, subscribing to resources like the Advanced Clean Cars listserv can provide valuable updates and insights. Understanding initiatives like California’s ACCII program is essential for any state, including Arizona, looking to develop effective strategies for cleaner transportation and a healthier environment.
