Light-duty vehicles
2022 Light-duty vehicle sales by powertrain and regional split
A summary of 2022 light-duty vehicle sales globally and by region, and split by powertrains.
Understanding the IRA for electric vehicles
In case you are confused by the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and it’s implications for electric vehicle incentives, then you are not alone. It’s an evolving story, and the U.S. Treasury Department is making clarifications to help consumers understand what’s in it for them. The latest revised guidelines expand the list of vehicles which qualify for the $7,500 tax credits. Here’s a summary.
EPA proposes to revise national ambient air quality standard for fine particulates
The US EPA has proposed to revise the annual PM2.5 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) from 12 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) to a level of 9 – 10 ug/m3. See here for a overview on reasons and implications.
Summary of Euro 7/VII proposal – criteria pollutants
The EU Commission has proposed Euro 7 / VII emission standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Here is a quick tabular summary.
Latest California section 177 states – ZEVs, LEVs and ICE bans
Around 40% of the US now follows California’s tougher-than-federal criteria pollutant standards. Here’s a summary of the latest, including followers of the Advanced Clean Cars rule.
All eyes on the Euro 7 proposal
Here’s a summary of possible changes to emission standards for passenger cars being considered as part of Euro 7.
US EPA revised fuel economy standards for MY 2023 – 2026
The US EPA has revised the fuel economy standards for model years 2023 – 2026. On average, this will require fleet averaged annual reductions of CO2 or fuel consumption by 7%. Overall, the model year 2026 CO2 emissions will be further reduced by 23% compared to the previous Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) rule.
Do we need reductions in tailpipe particulate emissions, given that cars will be electric ?
A simple calculation, taking the US as an example, to show that improving air quality for the next couple of decades will require that we continue to improve IC engines, even as electrification proceeds rapidly.
Heavy-duty vehicles
Summary of EPA MY2027 heavy-duty engine standards
The US EPA has finalized its standards for heavy duty engines starting model years 2027 and beyond. Here is a summary of the standards and a high-level comparison with California’s low NOx rule published earlier.
Summary of CARB thinking on Non-road Tier 5 regulations
Here’s a summary of California’s latest thinking on “Tier 5” tailpipe NOx emission standards for off-road construction and farming equipment.
Summary of EPA proposal : Heavy-Duty Clean Trucks Plan
Here’s a summary of EPA’s proposed changes to tailpipe NOx and CO2 emission standards for HD trucks in the US beyond 2027.
California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation
This is an update to a previous article on the targets for electrification of heavy-duty trucks in the US. Initially developed in California (where else?!), now five more states have adopted these regulations.
Overview of California’s Advanced Clean Fleets proposed regulation
California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation requires an increasing portion of heavy-duty (HD) vehicle sales to be zero emitting, starting 2024. However, a mandate on selling electric trucks will work only if there is a market for these vehicles. That’s the idea behind the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation. Read here for the current elements being considered.
California’s Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus Regulation
California’s Air Resource Board (CARB) has passed what could be perhaps it’s last major regulation for reducing NOx and particulates from heavy-duty trucks and buses. The HD Low NOx “Omnibus” regulation practically touches upon every aspect of in-use emission reduction. Highlights summarized here.