California Releases Clean Car Plan: 1.4 Million by 2025
12/09/2011
SustainableBusiness.com News
California released its plan for putting 1.4 million electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered cars on its roads by 2025, that's one in seven cars.
"These rules will make California the advanced car capital of the world, driving the innovation, patents and technology that will generate thousands of jobs here, and set the stage for us to compete in the global clean car marketplace," says James Goldstene, Executive of California's Air Resources Board (ARB).
By 2025, the rules would reduce smog-forming emissions across the state 75% by 2025, almost eliminate evaporative emissions, reduce toxic particulates, and cut greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent of taking 10 million cars off the road.
New global warming standards for model years 2017-2025 would reduce vehicle emissions by about half of current levels and 34% below 2016 requirements. The standards are being coordinated with federal agencies to establish a single set of global warming pollution and fuel efficiency requirements for automakers.
ARB notes the new technologies used to achieve smog and greenhouse gas standards could add about $1900 to the cost of vehicle, but that would be more than offset by $6000 in cost savings over the life of a car.
When fully implemented, annual fuel costs to operate a car will be reduced by an average of 25%, with overall cumulative savings of $22 billion by 2025.
Clean Fuels Outlet rules require oil companies to install hydrogen refueling stations as automakers ramp up sales of fuel cell vehicles, ensuring access to fuel for these vehicles. They also requires California to study infrastructure needs for vehicles that recharge from the electric grid.
The proposed rules are designed to ensure development of environmentally superior cars with a full range of models, from compacts to SUVs and pickups that will continue to deliver the performance, utility, and safety vehicle owners have come to expect with significant savings thanks to reduced operating costs.
ARB economic analysis indicates the overall savings generated by the proposed rules will result in an additional 21,000 jobs in California in 2025, rising to 37,000 in 2030, as people shift the money they no longer have to spend on gas to other parts of the economy.
Summary of the Advanced Clean Cars regulations.
Beginning December 12, you can comment on the proposed rules here:
Website: www.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php