Study: EV policy around gasoline superusers could help the most

2009 Kia BorregoEV policy will achieve the greatest climate benefit by prioritizing those that use the most gasoline, according to the advocacy group Coltura. The group recently released a new study building on findings published in 2021 which found that one in 10 drivers burn nearly a third of U.S. gasoline. Coltura coined the term gasoline "superusers" to...

EPA tailpipe emissions rules for 2027-2032: EVs not mandated

2023 Ford F-150 LightningThe EPA on Thursday proposed a new phase of tougher emissions standards for model years 2027 to 2032 that would trigger a massive increase in the sales of EVs—but not technically mandate them. The proposed standards aims for fleet average emissions of 82 grams of CO2 per mile by the 2032 model year, a 56% reduction in emissions from the...

EPA might ensure 60% EV sales by 2030, align with California

U.S. production of Genesis Electrified GV70 in AlabamaThe EPA is expected to propose stricter emissions rules that would ensure more than half of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. are electric, The New York Times reports. The proposal would not mandate a specific percentage of EV sales, but would set emissions limits so stringent that it would essentially force automakers to ensure that EVs...

EU adds e-fuels loophole to 2035 ICE ban, EV charging guidelines

DS 4 E-TenseThe European Union in Tuesday approved plans to ban sales of new gasoline and diesel cars in member countries by 2035, after Germany successfully fought for a loophole for vehicles burning e-fuels. The proposed law will require all new passenger cars sold in EU countries to produce zero CO2 emissions from 2035, ramping up from a 2030 target of 50%...

Combustion-vehicle sales peaked in 2017, peak oil due in 2027

Nissan Leaf confuses gas station staffThe global market for internal-combustion vehicles peaked in 2017 and is now in "structural decline," Bloomberg New Energy Finance declared in a recent report. Combustion-vehicle sales in 2022 were down almost 20% from the 2017 peak, according to BNEF. In 2017, 86 million internal combustion passenger vehicles were sold globally—including...

The SUV market is fueling global oil demand, clouding CO2 targets

2022 GMC YukonA strong SUV market is leading to higher oil demand today, and may make future carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions targets harder to achieve, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). New IEA analysis found that global CO2 emissions from SUVs reached nearly 1.1 billion tons in 2022, overshadowing increased sales from electric cars. SUVs are...

Research: Tires and brakes emit more particulates than tailpipes

Goodyear tire made from 70% sustainable materialCurrent emissions regulations are focused on what comes out of vehicle tailpipes, but a new study claims more than half of road-vehicle particulate emissions—fine particles that can pollute surrounding air and water—comes from other sources. Conducted by Imperial College London, the study (via Green Car Congress) estimates that in 2021...

Automakers back California in challenge of auto-emissions clout

Ford Mustang Mach-E Active Drive AssistSeven automakers on Monday filed a brief in a federal court case challenging California's ability to set higher emissions standards—siding with California. The case—Ohio v. EPA—is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington. It was brought by 17 Republican-led states looking to revoke California's Clean Air Act waiver...

California bill proposes $2,000 for converting gas vehicles to EVs

Chevrolets E-10 ConceptA California bill would offer residents a rebate of up to $2,000 to convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV. Spotted by Green Car Congress, California Senate Bill 301 would establish a Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) with up to $2 million in annual funding for EV conversion rebates to supplement...

California is blocking diesel big rigs with pre-2010 engines

Western Star semi tractor used to promote Fitzgerald Glider KitsCalifornia is now actively banning older diesel trucks from operating on its roads. A new rule states that any diesel vehicle weighing over 14,000 pounds with an engine built before the 2010 model year is banned from California roads effective January 1, 2023. The rule, part of a set of emissions regulations implemented by the California Air...