U.S. EPA Proposal for MY2027+ Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicles
On April 12th 2023, the U.S. EPA published a proposal to further reduce greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles beyond model year 2027. Here is a summary of this “multi-pollutant” regulatory proposal.
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.
Environmental Justice – PM2.5 disproportionately affects people of color in the US
If you have not heard of the term “Environmental Justice” or “EJ” as it is abbreviated, then it’s time to read up. Policy makers have to pay close attention to this topic in the quest for a rapid transition to greener energy and mobility.