AUTOMOTIVE EMISSIONS: EPA V STATES - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1928

EV Channels Review

This Autoline This Week episode features a discussion on automotive emissions standards, specifically the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, with insights from Christopher Grundler of the EPA and Dr. Alberto Ayala of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The conversation highlights the midterm review of CAFE standards for 2022-2025, emphasizing that the initial 2012 projections for technology adoption, like advanced gasoline engines and multi-speed transmissions, are holding up well, even with lower gas prices. While electrification (EVs, hybrids) is seen as crucial for long-term goals, it's not deemed essential for meeting the 2025 CAFE targets. CARB's role in setting stringent emission standards and using incentive programs, particularly for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), is also detailed. Ayala explains that California's ZEV mandate has spurred global technology development, and incentive programs, including rebates for BEVs and fuel cell vehicles, aim to make ZEVs accessible, with efforts to extend these benefits to lower-income individuals and used car buyers. The discussion also touches on the revision of ZEV credits to be solely range-based from model year 2018 onwards and the viability of Tesla's battery-swapping technology.