California ARB Posts New Concept Paper for Low Emissions Vehicles

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Air Resources Board has posted a new concept paper outlining proposed amendments to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation. The new concept paper presents six, more refined amendment proposals, particularly in the area of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), as a starting point for further discussions with interested stakeholders and in preparation of the Initial Statement of Reasons and proposed amendments for the ZEV regulation.

The amendments cover:
1. The Alternative Path to the ZEV requirement - Under the proposed amendment outlined in the November concept paper, ARB now requires a percentage of these vehicles to be either hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric ZEVS, or "silver +" vehicles. This requirement significantly shifts the user towards the ultimate goal of electric drive using either batteries recharged from the grid or hydrogen.
2. The use of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) after 2008 - Another proposed amendment adjusts the credit ratio between full-function BEVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Rather than the existing 10:1 ratio, ARB staff is proposing a 1.33:1 ratio.
3. Hybrid electric vehicles, including PHEVs - RB staff is proposing several modifications to the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) AT PZEV requirements, mostly to address plug in HEVs (PHEVs).
4. Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) - ARB staff proposes to increase the credit for neighborhood electric vehicles to 0.30 credits per vehicle, reflecting the vehicle's positive benefits but limited functionality compared with full function battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicles.

A copy of the full report can be viewed here.

(Source: California Air Resources Board)