from California road to clean energy could disrupt many industries, including massive motorhome market. A recent change in state policy clean air rules could usher in a change that would end sales of new RVs in the state as early as the end of this year.

The Air Resources Board of California recently made an amendment to the Advanced Clean Truck Regulations October 24 SFGate Reports. These regulations would see a gradual increase in zero-emission vehicles from manufacturers that make vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds. The recent amendment was amended to include RVs, an industry that has yet to adopt electric vehicle technology.

Motorhomes affected by the regulation are primarily large diesel-powered models, including Class A motorhomes and Super C recreational vehicles with gross vehicle weights exceeding 8,500 pounds. However, even some gas-powered campers won’t be exempt, as critics say the technology for zero-emission campers isn’t yet available.

The RV industry is understandably angry. SFGate reports that a representative from Freightliner Custom Chassis was present at the CARB board meeting. Although he acknowledged the change was due to RVs’ poor gas mileage, he said the amendment would not stop customers from wanting to buy them. “Not allowing the sale of new recreational vehicles does not stop consumer demand. »

RV industry lobbyists are working to get an exception to the rule, saying implementing the ban would be “…costly and would impact the availability and overall costs of a campervan”.

CARB was quick to clarify to SFGate that technically there is no ban and that the system would depend on a certain number of credits that a manufacturer would have to meet.

A credit system allows manufacturers who cannot meet requirements to purchase credits from those who can, giving them “the flexibility to sell as many internal combustion engines as necessary to meet market demand.” said spokeswoman Lys Mendez. According to the council, manufacturers can also focus ZEV production on other types of vehicles where this technology is more viable to meet requirements.

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