Editor’s note: RVIA is keeping a close eye on legislation moving forward in California that would eventually impact every vehicle traveling on the state’s roads.
The last few days have seen a flurry of stories in the media about California banning sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035, such as these stories in Politico and the Washington Post. These stories were triggered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) beginning the rulemaking process to implement the executive order signed by Governor Newsom nearly three years ago.
The rules have a goal to phase in ever-increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in the passenger car and light-duty truck markets over the next dozen years in order to reach 100% ZEV by model year 2035. This cohort of vehicles would be those with gross vehicle weights less than 8,500 pounds. Medium-duty (8,501 to 14,00 pounds) and heavy-duty trucks (more than 14,001 pounds) would not be subject to the same zero emission rules until 2045. So, at first only motorhomes or tow vehicles under 8,500 pounds would be impacted, such as some Class B motorhomes.
Other portions of the rule would impose stricter emission standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles beginning in model year 2026. This portion of the rule would cover all vehicles, including motorhomes and tow vehicles, that weigh 14,000 pounds or less.
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