Autoblog

California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

Less than a year after everyone with any sort of say in the matter seemed to agree that 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025 was a properly attainable goal, the California Air Resources Board has decided to change things up a bit.

In addition to CAFE requirements of a 54.5-mpg fleet average (using the government's formula, not what you see on window stickers), at least 15.4 percent of all cars sold by any major automaker doing business in California will have to be either fully electric, a plug-in hybrid or be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell by 2025. There are questions about the "over-compliance" section of the bill, which we'll be investigating further.

According to Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, 15.4 percent is "actually a relatively modest goal, but that's all that we're mandating." Most automakers are on board, says Nichols. "Probably the most heartening aspect of this whole rulemaking was the level of cooperation that we received from the industry... Overall, the degree of support for the package was just extraordinary."

Even if automakers are on board, though, there's still a question of who will actually buy the vehicles. While everyone wants better fuel efficiency, not everyone is willing to pay for it, counters the California New Car Dealers Association, estimating that the plan would add about $3,200 to the average price of a new car or truck. Perhaps to help dissuade such fears, Nichols added that "direct incentives to people who buy these cars (like) rebates and credits" are also in the works.

At least 10 more states are likely to follow California's lead, reports Automotive News. That would put the total number of advanced green vehicles (either with a plug or powered by hydrogen) at around three million total units by 2025, 1.4 million of which would be in California.

California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CARB's latest ZEV revision could add 1.4m more green cars, create a big loophole

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is holding meetings that could put the hammer down on getting more zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) on the road - or so it seems at first glance.

CARB, which always looks far down the road, is discussing how it will change the ZEV program that concerns model year 2018 vehicles and beyond. The proposal (PDF, but watch out: it's 670 pages that are not searchable!) could force automakers to add half a million pure electric or fuel cell vehicles and another 900,000 plug-in hybrids by 2025, writes The New York Times. Overall, CARB's proposal would increase the market segment of advanced clean cars from four percent in 2025 to 15 percent in the future. CARB is also asking for more hydrogen stations to be built.

That may all sound good, but there's another side to the story, one that's a big loophole. Plug In America is calling on its members to oppose a portion of the proposal that could actually reduce the number of ZEVs on the roads in the future. Comparatively, anyway. In a letter to the DOE and EPA, CARB Chair Mary Nichols wrote:

California commits to propose that its revised ZEV program for the 2018-2021 MYs include a provision providing that over-compliance with the federal GHG standards in the prior model year may be used to reduce in part a manufacturer's ZEV obligation in the next model year.

The details are that, for every two grams per mile of GHG overcompliance, an automaker could "cut the number of pure electric-drive vehicles [it has to offer] by as much as 50% over 2018 to 2021," writes Plug In America, which also calls it a "sweetheart deal" and "a bad deal for California and for the United States." PIA writes that Honda, Hyundai and Toyota lobbied for this overcompliance language. We'll keep following this one.

CARB's latest ZEV revision could add 1.4m more green cars, create a big loophole originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Electric

TheDetroitBureau.com reports that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is out to change the zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) game again, this time revising its desired numbers for vehicle sales and prodding industry to make alternative fuels more available. From 2018 to 2025, CARB wants ZEVs to number 1.4 million sales every year. According to its numbers, by 2025, that would result in a decrease of 52 million metric tons of emissions.

But what good is a car that runs on hydrogen without convenient places to refuel? The Cleans Fuels Outlet part of its plan "would require oil companies to install hydrogen refueling stations." That part of the plan sounds like it will be rather expensive for someone, but according to CARB, somehow it won't be the consumer: CARB says residents will save $22 billion on fuel costs, 21,000 jobs will be created because of the move to different fuels, and a car buyer in 2025 would save $4,000 over the life of the car even with the extra cost of the tech.

What's more, in 2017, CARB - in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency - has released an emissions-level limit of 166 g/km for cars sold in the state. That would represent another 34 percent drop from the emissions levels targeted in 2016.

California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Electric

The Chevy Volt may be able to travel about 40 miles without emitting a gram of CO2, but the car isn't clean enough to qualify for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access in California. Make that wasn't clean enough.

Today, GM announced that California dealers are now taking orders for an "Enhanced, Advanced Technology - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle" (enhAT-PZEV) version of the Volt.
We've known this Volt would be coming for over a year, and it puts us one step closer to the E85-capable Volt that was promised, as well.

The new Volt's owner will be "eligible to apply for one of 40,000 available HOV lane stickers" handed out on a first-apply, first-served basis.

The enhAT-PZEV lower-emissions Volt will be the standard version in California starting early next year but it doesn't come with the coveted HOV sticker. All it means is that new Volt's owner will be "eligible to apply for one of 40,000 available HOV lane stickers" handed out on a first-apply, first-served basis. The enhAT-PZEV Volt is also eligible for an extra $1,500 worth of rebates from California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.

When we first heard about the enhAT-PZEV last year, we were told the Volt's standard 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty would need to be upgraded to 10-year, 150,000-mile warranty to qualify for enhAT-PZEV status. GM's press release doesn't mention any change to the warranty, so we'll need to follow up on this. UPDATE: GM confirmed that the enhAT-PZEV has the better, longer warranty, as required by the HOV access regulations).

The powertrain changes feature a modified engine and exhaust components, including a "secondary air-injection pump that streams ambient air into the exhaust stream to increase its ability to remove pollutants." This took GM engineers a while to get right, but what's ironic is that anyone can get "access" to those HOV lanes by carpooling. After all, the entire point of HOV lanes is to put more people in fewer cars, right? Plus, there is the argument that banning green cars like hybrids from HOV lanes slows everyone down.

Continue reading Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED

Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Transit Connect Electric to qualify for $15,000 rebate in California

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Ford, Electric

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to add an additional category to its Hybrid Incentive Voucher Program (HVIP) that awards buyers of zero-emissions light-duty commercial vehicles, including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, a discount of up to $15,000 on their green vehicle purchase.

Starting in November, light-duty zero-emissions commercial vehicles with a GVWR between 5,001 and 8,500 pounds will be eligible for vouchers of up to $15,000 in California. This discount will reportedly be available to all fleets, public or private, that register the zero-emissions vehicles in the state of California. This $15,000 discount, coupled with the federal government's $7,500 tax credit, means that some buyers of the Transit Connect Electric will get a whopping $22,500 off the vehicle's $57,400 price tag.

Vouchers for the light-duty zero-emissions category are valued at $15,000 for a fleet's first vehicle ordered, with $12,000 off all purchases thereafter for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. Proposed vouchers for Fiscal Year 2012 dip to $12,000 for the first three vehicles, $10,000 for the next 27 purchased, $8,000 for vehicles 31-65 and $6,000 for vehicles 66-100.

Ford Transit Connect Electric to qualify for $15,000 rebate in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Ford

Ford promised its Mustang Boss 302 customers that their car was perfect for both the street and the track, and that the dual nature of the sports coupe could be personified with the TracKey. Pop that lovely little device into your ignition and your Boss 302 takes on a different attitude. Hundreds of parameters are changed to work in concert as the car takes on a more track-focused mindset. The TracKey has Boss 302 owners salivating at the prospect of owning sporty daily driver and track star, which occupies a singular spot in their garage.

There's a bit of a problem, however, and it seem that Mustang owners have California to blame.

Ford is butting heads with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the stalemate has left Boss 302 owners without their TracKeys. The folks at CARB know that the TracKey alters the emissions leaving the tailpipes of the Boss 302, and they have a problem with that. Until these issues are sorted out, Ford won't be able to deliver any TracKeys to Boss 302 owners.

As you can imagine, that has the car owners a bit peeved. One owner in particular has decided to vent his frustrations in a manner befitting our Internet-adled brains. Turning to the surprisingly popular Hitler video meme, he has applied his thoughts to the video antics of Adolf.

Click past the jump to watch the clip (note: NSFW language). Also, be sure to click through our gallery of the Ford Mustang Boss 302, while you pretend what it would be like if CARB turned a blind eye to the TracKey issues.

Continue reading How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]

How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrids rejoin California gridlock as HOV stickers expire today

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal

The vehicles are no longer novel, their yellow stickers have faded from years of exposure to the sun and, after six years of enjoying the privilege, it's now time for California's hybrid owners to suffer with the rest of us in the state's traffic-clogged non-High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.

Starting today, July 1, some 85,000 yellow stickers issued to owners of certain hybrid vehicles in California expire. Now these hybrids have to fall in line with gas-guzzlers, truckers and the millions of other vehicles that sit at a dead stop in the "regular" lanes of California's highways and watch in envy as carpoolers whiz by at 55-plus miles per hour in dedicated HOV lanes.

Only three hybrid vehicles - Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid - qualified (rated 45-plus miles per gallon) for the yellow stickers. Now, owners who choose to cruise solo in HOV lanes in those gas-sipping hybrids will face steep fines.

Hybrids rejoin California gridlock as HOV stickers expire today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Last April, the three main fuel economy regulatory players - the EPA, the DOT and the State of California - announced new CAFE targets for the 2012 through 2016 model years: 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. If there's one thing U.S. automakers liked about this, it was that we had a "national standard" for fuel economy regulations. The U.S. has been shifting towards a cohesive, nationwide set of rules since 2008 and it looks like we had avoived the dreaded "patchwork" regulations that OEMs were so troubled by.

This week, the regulatory partners announced "a single timeframe for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks." Whatever MPG number they agree to, we'll hear about it from a singular voice by September 1 instead of an announcement from California in the spring and then a federal one in the fall, as had been expected.

Because of the Clean Air Act, California still had the authority to define its own motor vehicle emissions standards, but the feds have been working to make their own regulations strict enough to keep California happy while providing "certainty" for automakers that are building next-gen clean cars. Last fall, California "accepted compliance with these federal GHG standards," and - for now - everyone is still playing together nicely.

[Source: EPA/DOT/CARB, USAToday | Image: BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards

EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Automakers struggle to find balance between CA policymakers and state's buyers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

It's a classic dichotomy - automakers need to build both the kinds of cars consumer want to buy and also the kinds of cars the policymakers tell them they have to build. And oftentimes, these two segments don't exactly meet in the middle. Such is seemingly the case in California, where the Global Warming Solutions Act will soon force automakers that wish to remain in business in the state to drastically lower carbon emissions while also producing significant numbers of zero emissions vehicles.

That's all well and good, and automakers do in fact support the move towards greener vehicles. The problem, according to just about every party involved - including the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the California New Car Dealers Association, J.D. Power and Associates and even automakers like Honda and Toyota - is getting the mass of consumers to purchase these government-mandated green vehicles.

What's the answer? "That is the $64,000 question," notes Toyota's U.S. boss Jim Lentz. While it may be true that nobody knows for sure, any number of ideas are being bandied about to sweeten the deal for consumers. Ward's Automotive reports that proposals as diverse as tax breaks for fuel efficient cars, access to coveted HOV lanes or added incentives for scrapping older cars in favor of greener rides are all being considered. And this is all assuming California's well-known budget woes don't put an end to the legislative push for automotive efficiency. No matter the case, it would seem we'll be in for a wild - and hopefully fuel efficient - ride.

[Source: Ward's Automotive | Image: Brett L. via cc 2.0]

Report: Automakers struggle to find balance between CA policymakers and state's buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CARB gives Chevy Volt ULEV II status, misses SULEV II by a hair

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Electric

The California Air Resources Board has given a green rating to the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the grade atop the page being ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle). That's below the SULEV and PZEV ratings of cars you might not expect to beat the Volt, such as the four-cylinder Honda Accord and Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T and Jetta TDI. Also on the list as being cleaner than the Volt are the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda CR-Z. Click past the break for some interesting comparative charts.

The issue is that CARB performs its testing with the engine running - it has no electric-power-only test. When the Volt's engine runs, it emits 1.3 g/km, which puts it 0.3 grams beyond the allowance for a SULEV vehicle. What's more, since it can't get the PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating of the Prius and Leaf, it can't get carpool lane stickers in California. One of the biggest boons of buying a green car, at least in California, is the extra time you get to enjoy your life because you can use the carpool lane and don't need to haul around Frank and Bob from sales in order to to it.

Will any of this affect the Volt's reception? In most places, wherever a sticker can't get you in the VIP line, probably not. And it doesn't affect what the Volt can do. This is really a reflection of the Volt paying the price for an outdated testing regime and an engine connected to the wheels in a three-mile-per-hour speed band. But in the green space where everyone is counting every feather in every cap, we imagine General Motors is ruing having missed out on this particular one. Perhaps the tagline "More car than electric" is here proved a little too true...

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading CARB gives Chevy Volt ULEV II status, misses SULEV II by a hair

CARB gives Chevy Volt ULEV II status, misses SULEV II by a hair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's fix for prematurely dying Civic hybrid batteries hurting fuel economy, performance?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Honda

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Until the past year or so, the Civic Hybrid had been by far the best selling gas-electric model introduced by Honda. However, the second-generation model introduced in 2006 has not been entirely problem-free. There have been several lawsuits against Honda claiming that the Civic doesn't meet its advertised mileage claims. While those sort of claims are often dubious given their dependency on factors like driving style, climate and terrain, premature battery failures are not.

According to the Los Angeles Times, it appears that 2006-2008 Civic Hybrid models are suffering an abnormally high rate of battery failure at relatively low miles. The nickel-metal-hydride batteries are evidently prematurely losing their ability to hold a charge - particularly in hot weather areas like Arizona and when used in a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The Civic Hybrid has a dual compressor air-conditioning system with an engine driven primary compressor and a smaller electric compressor to keep the system going when the engine is shut during a stop. Using the air conditioning will cause the battery to go through more charge cycles, eventually wearing it down. Read on after the jump for more on why the battery might be failing and how Honda is attempting to address it.

Update: Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky let us know that the software updated for the 2006-8 Civics is based on the changes that were introduced for the refreshed 2009 models. The 2009 models apparently also got an updated battery but obviously that change isn't going into the older cars. The original 2006-8 models would spend a lot of time during hot weather use with the A/C on which apparently caused the charge cycling rate to increase wearing down the battery.

Update 2: Honda confirmed that the battery pack did change from 2008 to 2009 but its not clear exactly what was updated.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Continue reading Honda's fix for prematurely dying Civic hybrid batteries hurting fuel economy, performance?

Honda's fix for prematurely dying Civic hybrid batteries hurting fuel economy, performance? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

A year ago, the White House led the effort to get automakers' Corporate Average Fuel Economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Although the number was eventually pegged at 34.1 mpg, it will actually be slightly lower because of other non-automotive credits that will be applied. One might have thought automakers would still be grousing the work that needs to be done, but in fact they encouraged the federal government to go further, and so it has: the White House began working this week on setting CAFE standards through 2025.

The reason for this? The Golden State. Just after last year's 2016 CAFE numbers were announced, California said it would work on "a much more stringent standard" for 2017 and afterward. Automakers urged the feds to head the California Air Resources Board off at the pass in order to stay ahead of state initiatives, thereby quashing the chance that different laws would hit the books.

The EPA and DOT have just gotten to work on crafting new standards, so it will probably be another year before new numbers come out. For you folks with large-capacity, high-horsepower engines, you might want to take this chance to rev 'em if ya got 'em.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: AFP/Getty]

Report: Obama kicks off drive to enact tough fuel economy standards through 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: California scraps 'Cool Cars' legislation, automakers, law enforcement cheer

Eric Loveday — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

California's controversial "cool cars" guidelines have been laid to rest. According to a report from The Detroit News, the ill supported legislation is no more and automakers can rejoice. The pressure was too much for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to handle any longer, and automakers, law enforcement officials and crime victim advocates are likely to celebrate their victory.

If you're unclear about what we're speaking about, California's "Cool Cars" legislation was to be adopted into law in May. The rules aimed to reduce heat within a vehicle and thus lower greenhouse gas emissions. The plan included guidelines to reduce the sun's energy from penetrating a vehicle by 45 percent by 2014 and 60 percent by 2016. The method for achieving this goal included factory installed glazing (window tint) on each and every vehicle sold in California.

Many objections arose. Patrol officers were concerned for their safety, stating that the tint would restrict their view into a vehicle. Sheriff offices argued that the tint could affect cell phone signal quality and thus prevent drivers from contacting emergency services such as 911. Automakers complained that the added costs to tint vehicles would be significant. Complaints poured in from out of state law enforcement and politicians alike.

Of course, "Cool Cars" may be dead, but a CARB spokesman has gone on record stating that the organization will pursue other methods to reduce air conditioning emissions and to provide "cooler" cars in the future. Hat tip to John!

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: California scraps 'Cool Cars' legislation, automakers, law enforcement cheer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: California to amend 'Cool Cars' legislation over... criminal activity?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Is CARB backing down on its so-called "cool cars" regulation? On May 7, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will have to turn in its final draft of the controversial regulations, which calls for automakers to build cars and trucks with windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014 and 60% by 2016. Vehicle manufacturers have argued that it will be expensive to meet the requirements, and other groups are complaining for their own reasons. Heck, there was initially concern that off-roaders might lose their beloved Jeep Wrangler altogether. Thank goodness they came to their senses.

While several different groups have significant concerns about the proposal, it looks like CARB might finally be listening to one group in particular - law enforcement. It seems that California's sheriffs, police chiefs and crime victim groups are calling for the plan to be amended... and CARB is actually listening.

According to The Detroit News, The California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs Association, Crime Victims United of California and other groups are concerned that the required window glazing needed to meet the new regulations will seriously degrade cell phone signals, as well as those from ankle monitoring bracelets. We wouldn't want to lose track of felons now, would we? The other big concern is that 911 calls might not get through if the window treatment prohibits a strong signal.

That seems to be sending CARB back to the drawing board, with suggestions coming that the plan will be revised before the May 7 deadline. As a refresher, the idea behind the "cool cars" regulation is to save gas and reduce emissions. Cooler cars reduce their air con use, and with California's overflowing freeways, that could mean a significant drop. In fact, CARB is predicting that the regulations will save 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2020 - the equivalent of parking 140,000 cars a year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: California to amend 'Cool Cars' legislation over... criminal activity? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Jeep

Remember California's "Cool Cars" regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It's the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State's increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still...), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, "If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year." If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn't have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue -- radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals -- CARB said it hasn't found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA ... and how cool would that be?

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CA "cool car" regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets?

Michael Harley — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Chrysler, Jeep

2009 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

New "Cool Cars" regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) could put an end to the Jeep Wrangler soft-top sales in the Golden State thanks to standards so stringent that the popular 4x4 won't be able to meet them. According to The Detroit News, CARB's latest controversial initiative requires automakers to build cars and trucks with windows which prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. To meet these provisions, vehicle manufacturers will have to utilize advanced window glazing containing microscopic specs of reflective metal oxide.

Coating vehicle glass with a metallic layer wreaks havoc on any vehicle electronic device relying on a clear "view" of the world outside. Garmin, a leading manufacturer of GPS devices, says satellite reception through coated glass will be degraded. In addition, cell phones, wireless laptop devices, garage door openers, and even ankle bracelets for parolees "may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard" as they all rely on signals passing cleanly through automotive glass.

For what it's worth, Honda tried utilizing the same technology in Japan two decades ago, yet dropped it due to problems with radio wave devices. We are assured that the Jeep soft-top won't have those problems simply because the technology cannot be applied to flexible plastic windows. Without an exemption for that model, Chrysler will only be allowed to sell hardtop Wrangler vehicles in California.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

[Source: The Detroit News]

CA "cool car" regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Will it blend? Not if CARB has anything to say about it

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Will it blend? If the answer is no - as was the case with the boron steel used to create the latest Ford Fiesta - perhaps all that's needed is a more powerful blender (insert appropriate Tim Allen-esque grunting sounds here) complete with handlebars and a twist-grip throttle? Enter the Party Blender, which uses a gas-powered engine in lieu of a standard wimpy plug-in electric motor.

Unless you live in California, that is. Earlier this month, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) fined On the Edge Marketing from Orange County and CSK Auto Inc. from Phoenix, Arizona a whopping $240,000 for selling the blenders in the Far-Left State. Says CARB chairperson Mary D. Nichols:

Gasoline-powered blenders may be this year's tailgate sensation, but drinkers should not be polluting our air while having a good time.

So, let's get this straight... gas-powered blenders are A-OK, just so long as they aren't powered by two-stroke engines from China that aren't approved for sale in California? Does this sound strange to anybody else?

[Source: LA Times]

REPORT: Will it blend? Not if CARB has anything to say about it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

The saga of California's greenhouse gas waiver has come to an end with the EPA deciding that the state can indeed enforce its own GHG emissions standards for new motor vehicles. This means that, at least between now (with current model year vehicles) and when the 2012 MY vehicles arrive, California and the 13 states (and D.C.) that have adopted its rules will use the stricter emission standards to regulate vehicles. In the EPA's statement on the decision, it says it used "the law and science as its guide," in order to "tackle air pollution and protect human health." EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says:

This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided this is the appropriate course under the law. This waiver is consistent with the Clean Air Act as it's been used for the last 40 years. [...] More importantly, this decision reinforces the historic agreement on nationwide emissions standards developed by a broad coalition of industry, government and environmental stakeholders earlier this year.

Here's a short history of the waiver story: CARB asked for the waiver in December of 2005. The EPA announced in December of 2007 that it would deny the waiver (after then Vice President Dick Cheney met with automakers). The day after Barack Obama was inaugurated, CARB asked the EPA to reconsider the denial, a request that the new President supported. When strong national CAFE standards were announced in May, the EPA's waiver lost a bit of its punch, but it still wanted the waiver to bridge the gap between now and when the CAFE rules go into effect with 2012 vehicles. Today, the EPA said "okay." Come to think of it, this saga probably isn't as final as this decision might imply. Check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: EPA | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Continue reading EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver

EPA reverses decision, approves California's greenhouse gas emissions waiver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

California's lead in setting stricter mileage standards for automobiles helped President Obama's administration formulate the new 35.5 mpg requirement for 2016. Since California's voice is so strong in the debate, we can see what might possibly be coming to the whole country in the later half of the next decade by looking at what California thinks will happen after 2016. Reuters did just that, and found that the California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols thinks that "a much more stringent standard" will be announced for 2017 and beyond.

That everyone appears to be happy with the 2016 requirement doesn't mean the struggles between CARB and the automakers have ended. Nichols told the news service that the compromise "doesn't signal any kind of flagging interest on the part of California in being part of a transformation of the auto fleet to something much more efficient than what it is today." A new EPA waiver request will need to be applied for, Reuters believes, but at least there appears to be a new feeling of working together. For now.

[Source: Reuters; Image: Pink Sherbet Photography | CC 2.0]

California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Government/Legal, Green, Safety

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a very good idea. An under-inflated radial can increase wear while also decreasing performance and fuel economy. But if the state of California can help it, under-inflated tires may soon be a thing of the past.

California has passed a new law requiring most auto servicing sites to check tire pressure at each visit and add air when necessary. The law will affect 40,000 businesses in the state, although the mandate does not effect body shops, car washes, glass repair shops, or parts stores. The state's government will let the service stations, smog-check stations, oil change places, and so on determine how much to charge for the check, and they must have a high-accuracy pressure gauge on hand. The tire pressure monitoring law will go into effect in July 1, 2010.

California's Air Resources Board says the state-wide law will save 75 million gallons of fuel per year, while also eliminating 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses. That sounds mighty impressive, but if the Sacramento Bee is to believed, that's less than 0.5 percent of what California's greenhouse-gas reduction goals for 2020. Better is the CARB estimate that optimized tire pressure will save drivers about $12 per year (about six gallons of gas at today's prices), along with added safety and tire longevity benefits.

Those figures are based off statistics which show that vehicles lose 1% efficiency for every 3 psi a tire is low. Testing by Consumer Reports showed little or no impact on fuel economy when tire pressure is off by 10%, though most agree that low tire pressure will shorten the life of tires. Fewer tires in state landfills figures to be a good thing, too.

Check out CARB's official press release by clicking here, and find more information at the link below. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Einstein/Getty]

California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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