The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its Phase III greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for heavy-duty (HD) and medium-duty (MD) vehicles, applicable to model years 2027-2032.
In a positive development for the RV industry, heavy-duty motorhomes will maintain their classification as custom chassis vocational vehicles. This outcome, previously achieved by the RV Industry Association‘s (RVIA) government affairs team, ensures more manageable standards for motorhomes.
Under these new regulations, heavy-duty motorhomes are required to meet a standard of 226 grams per ton-mile through the 2032 model year.
As per a News & Insights report of the RVIA, this is a slight decrease from the current standard of 228 grams per ton-mile. The vocational vehicle classification entails less stringent requirements, benefiting RV manufacturers in meeting environmental targets.
The EPA’s decision to uphold the vocational vehicle classification for motorhomes has significant implications for the RV industry. This classification allows manufacturers to meet emissions standards, potentially reducing production costs and ensuring that RVs remain an appealing option for consumers.
In addition to motorhome-specific provisions, the EPA’s rulemaking proposal also addresses other GHG standards. The agency proposes to revise specific GHG standards for MY 2027 and eliminate MY 2027 advanced technology incentives for certain electric highway HD vehicles.
Furthermore, the EPA plans to introduce warranty requirements for batteries and other components of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
While these changes do not directly impact motorhomes, they reflect the EPA’s broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner vehicle technologies.
RV owners and the industry as a whole may indirectly benefit from these initiatives, as advancements in cleaner technologies could lead to more sustainable and eco-friendly recreational vehicles in the future.
The EPA has scheduled a public hearing on this rulemaking proposal for May 2-3, 2023, with an additional day reserved for May 4, 2023, if necessary. The hearing offers interested parties the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and share their thoughts or concerns.
For further details on the EPA Phase III standards regulation and its implications for the RV industry, contact Michael Ochs, RVIA Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected].
By staying informed about these developments, RV owners and industry professionals can better understand the evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on recreational vehicles.