But Requirement Must Be Strengthened for California to Meet 2050 Climate and Public Health Goals

BERKELEY, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2011) – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced the outlines of a Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) program. It represents the state’s strongest push for advanced vehicles in the program’s 20-year history, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The program aims to have battery, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles account for up to 15 percent of California’s new vehicle sales in 2025. As a result, the program will lead to as many as 1.4 million such vehicles being sold in California. That’s between 2018 and 2025.

California ZEV Progran includes PHEV Now

The ZEV program has successfully helped introduce cleaner gasoline vehicles to the market for years. Now, it aims to fulfill its original mission. The goal is clear: put more people behind the wheels of battery and fuel cell electric cars. David Friedman, the deputy director of UCS’s Clean Vehicles program, emphasizes this shift. He remarks, “We have seen impressive progress in electric car technology so far. Therefore, the ARB can now facilitate the transition of advanced vehicles from auto shows and flashy ads to people’s driveways.” This advancement makes electric and hybrid vehicles more accessible to everyday consumers.

However, UCS analysis indicates the standard should be strengthened to result in 1.8 million ZEV sales by 2025, a 30 percent increase. This is necessary in order to meet California’s climate and public health goals. Further, unresolved details related to the program could significantly reduce overall ZEV sales below the ARB’s announcement. For example, automaker’s ability to meet some of the requirements by using past credits for selling cleaner gasoline cars could impact results. Additionally, using future credits from the national global warming pollution program could also impact results.

California ZEV Targets

Friedman added that these new targets are laudable. However, they must go further for California. Especially to deliver on the safer climate, cleaner air, and stronger economy it’s promised. He also emphasized the importance of not only setting ambitious goals. Yet, they must also ensure that practical measures are put in place to achieve them. The urgency of the climate crisis demands a comprehensive approach that includes community engagement, investment in green technologies, and a commitment to justice for those most affected by environmental issues. Without these critical components, Friedman warned, the initiative risks falling short of its true potential to create a sustainable future for all Californians.

“ZEVs need sufficient sales volumes to launch the industry and make electric cars an affordable choice for millions of car-shoppers. California must also eliminate credits that would allow automakers to produce fewer electric cars. At the end of the day, no one can drive a credit.”

Automakers Don’t Want Any Of It

While some automakers are likely to make more electric vehicles than required, others may look for ways to weaken the program. UCS experts cautioned that doing so would undermine the very market for zero-emissions vehicles automakers hope to sell.

“Automakers must support California’s ZEV proposal,” said Don Anair, a senior engineer in UCS’s Clean Vehicles program. He currently attends the LA Auto Show, where automakers unveil many new electric cars. “Otherwise, they risk undercutting the significant progress they have made on advanced vehicle technologies. An aggressive target creates market certainty for automakers. It also helps ensure their investments in electric drive achieve full success in the market.”

Since 1990, the ZEV program has sped the commercialization of the cleanest gasoline cars and hybrid vehicles, helping to bolster public health and consumer choice. Nearly 2 million Californians drive such next-generation vehicles. These emit 80 percent less smog-forming pollution than the average car built in 2002. The ZEV program has also kept research moving on automotive batteries and fuel cells.

“Whether it’s zero-emissions vehicles, the first ever smog standards, or the first-in-the-nation vehicle global warming standards, California has taken the lead on clean cars,” Friedman said. “We’ll continue to push for the state to do more to give car buyers a real choice between the fuel of the past and the clean cars of the future.”

Impact of California ZEV Announcement

California announces a shift to zero-emissions vehicles. This decision aligns with the state’s plans for stricter smog standards. By 2025, cars and light trucks will face 75 percent tighter regulations. Additionally, the new global warming pollution standards will continue through 2025. Moreover, the state also requires the installation of hydrogen refueling stations. At the same time, the federal government proposes new fuel-efficiency standards. These standards will impact automakers significantly. Overall, these initiatives aim to reduce pollution and promote cleaner air for everyone.

Source: The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969. The UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C.