California’s 2025 implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation requires that a growing percentage of vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). While the regulation does not specifically ban motorhomes, it mandates that vehicles over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight meet ZEV requirements. Gas motorhome manufacturers’ options for compliance are limited, as there are currently no readily available ZEV chassis that meet the necessary specifications.
The ACT, adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2021, aims to reduce emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles by progressively increasing ZEV adoption through 2035.
This regulation, alongside CARB’s Omnibus Low NOx rule and Advanced Clean Fleets rule, represents a strategy to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles in pursuit of California’s climate goals.
CARB asserts that the ACT regulation is an essential component of the state’s effort to address air quality and climate change, emphasizing its long-term benefits for public health and the environment.
However, the RV industry, represented by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), has expressed concern over the lack of feasible ZEV options for motorhomes, particularly for larger Class A and Class C models, which rely on chassis exceeding the 8,500-pound threshold.
According to their News & Insights article, RVIA has been actively advocating for the industry since the ACT’s introduction. This advocacy includes direct discussions, public comments, and participation in hearings to highlight the regulation’s unintended consequences for motorhome manufacturing.
On November 19, RVIA representatives met with CARB staff, alongside motorhome manufacturers, to push for potential exemptions or delays that would allow the continued production and sale of motorhomes in California.
During the meeting, CARB acknowledged it has the authority to grant exemptions under the ACT, which differed from prior claims that its flexibility was limited by underlying legislation. While no resolution was reached, both parties agreed to continue discussions in December.
California’s regulations are expected to have a ripple effect nationwide. Ten other states, including New York, Oregon, and Washington, have adopted similar rules, with enforcement beginning between 2025 and 2027. Known as Section 177 states, they are legally required to align with California’s emissions standards.
Notably, motorhomes built after 2024 that do not comply with ZEV requirements will be ineligible for registration in California. However, non-compliant motorhomes already in dealer inventories or purchased from non-ACT states remain unaffected. California dealers can sell non-compliant motorhomes to residents of other states, provided the vehicles are registered outside California.
CARB’s reliance on ZEV credit trading as a compliance mechanism has been criticized by the RVIA. The association argues that the high cost of ZEV credits makes this approach impractical for motorhome manufacturers, who are already constrained by the absence of suitable ZEV chassis.
While CARB maintains that these credits provide flexibility, industry stakeholders have emphasized that this option does not address the underlying supply issue.
For now, the RVIA remains committed to pursuing equitable solutions. The association continues to advocate for amendments that address the challenges of motorhome production while supporting a transition to sustainable practices. Updates on these discussions are expected in the coming months as stakeholders work to navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
