California has long been a pioneer in environmental regulations, and the Advanced Clean Cars program stands as a testament to this commitment. Known as “Cars 1”, the initial phase of this program laid the groundwork for significantly reducing vehicle emissions and paving the way for a cleaner transportation future. This initiative combines several key regulations into a comprehensive package, targeting both conventional pollutants and greenhouse gases to create a transformative impact on the automotive industry and air quality.
Understanding Advanced Clean Cars I
Adopted in 2012, Advanced Clean Cars I, or Cars 1, brought together the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) criteria and greenhouse gas regulations with the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation. This integrated approach was designed to aggressively tackle emissions from light-duty passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. The core aim of Cars 1 was to mandate progressively lower emissions and simultaneously increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on California roads. This dual strategy addresses both immediate air quality concerns and the long-term challenge of climate change.
The LEV regulations under Cars 1 focused on tightening standards for smog-forming emissions, ensuring that gasoline-powered vehicles become cleaner with each model year. Complementing this, the greenhouse gas regulations targeted vehicle emissions contributing to climate change, pushing manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency and adopt technologies that reduce carbon footprints.
Crucially, Cars 1 introduced the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This regulation requires automakers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This mandate was a game-changer, directly stimulating the development and adoption of electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.
The 2017 Midterm Review: Validating Cars 1 and Looking Ahead
Five years after the adoption of Cars 1, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) conducted a comprehensive midterm review in 2017. This review assessed the effectiveness of the program and considered adjustments for the future. The review specifically examined the ZEV regulation, the particulate matter standard, and the greenhouse gas standards for later model years.
The findings of the 2017 midterm review were significant. CARB concluded that the adopted greenhouse gas standards remained appropriate and should continue for model years 2022 through 2025. The review also affirmed the importance of the existing ZEV requirements in driving market development for zero-emission vehicles. Furthermore, CARB directed its staff to immediately begin developing regulations for model years 2026 and beyond, recognizing the need for continued progress. The review also highlighted the feasibility of the particulate matter standard, while calling for further action to ensure robust emission control. This midterm assessment reinforced the direction set by Cars 1 and paved the way for even more ambitious targets.
Evolving to Advanced Clean Cars II
Building on the foundation of Cars 1, California adopted Advanced Clean Cars II in 2022. These regulations represent the next phase, setting even stricter low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards for model years 2026-2035. Advanced Clean Cars II is crucial for California to meet federal air quality standards for ozone and achieve its ambitious carbon neutrality goals.
A key provision of Advanced Clean Cars II is the mandate that by 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in California must be zero-emissions. This landmark regulation accelerates the transition to electric vehicles, solidifying California’s leadership in clean transportation. Advanced Clean Cars II strengthens the state’s existing emission control framework by demanding more aggressive reductions in tailpipe emissions and ensuring a complete shift to 100% zero-emission vehicles in the new car market.
Latest Updates: Amendments to Advanced Clean Cars II
In October 2023, CARB initiated a new process to consider potential amendments to the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations. These potential amendments may include updates to the tailpipe greenhouse gas emission standard and targeted revisions to the Low-emission Vehicle and Zero-emission Vehicle regulations. These ongoing evaluations demonstrate California’s proactive approach to refining and strengthening its clean car regulations to ensure continued progress towards its environmental objectives. Stakeholder input and ongoing assessments are vital components of this adaptive regulatory process.
Conclusion: Cars 1 as a Foundational Step
Cars 1 was a pivotal first step in California’s Advanced Clean Cars program. By integrating LEV, GHG, and ZEV regulations, it created a powerful framework for emissions reduction and zero-emission vehicle adoption. The program’s success, validated by the midterm review and further amplified by Advanced Clean Cars II, demonstrates California’s unwavering commitment to cleaner air and a sustainable automotive future. “Cars 1” not only addressed immediate environmental concerns but also set in motion long-term changes in the automotive industry, influencing national and even global trends towards vehicle electrification and reduced emissions.
