CARB staff outlined today changes planned for the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulation. Based on the changes being considered, battery electric vehicles would likely comprise about 3% of the vehicles sold in CA by large volume manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, GM, Chrysler and Ford). Because of the regulation, this percentage is expected to increase to about 19% by 2025. Per the reg change, many more manufacturers would be subject to the ZEV regulation (companies like VW, BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Mazda and Kia). These intermediate volume manufacturers, however, would be allowed to comply by producing Transitional Zero Electric Vehicles or TZEVs. TZEVs must be fueled by either electricity or hydrogen, certified to CARB's Super Low Emission Vehicle regs, and carry a battery warranty of 10 years/150,000 miles and an emissions warranty of 15 years/15,000 miles. TZEVs will earn 1/2 a ZEV credit. Under the plan, vehicles known as PZEVs and AT PZEVs (i.e., vehicles like the current Toyota Prius) will no longer qualify for ZEV credits after 2017MY.
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