Summary
- California considering electric-motorcycle mandate to strengthen market
- CARB set to vote on proposed rules for increased zero-emission motorcycle sales
- Emissions targets for gasoline bikes to be lowered for the first time in 25 years
- Predicted increase in overall sales with more than 280,000 new electric motorcycles by 2045
- Potential inclusion of "autocycles" in sales targets if plan passes
Article
California is considering implementing an electric-motorcycle mandate that could significantly boost the motorcycle market in the state. The proposed rules, set to be voted on by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on Nov. 7, aim to increase annual electric motorcycle sales by eight times the current number registered in the state. These rules would introduce a credit system requiring 10% zero-emission motorcycle sales by 2028 and 50% by 2035, up from the current 1% level. At the same time, emissions targets for gasoline bikes would be lowered for the first time in 25 years, bringing them closer to the efficiency of small cars and hybrids.
California already has plans to eliminate sales of most new vehicles with combustion engines by 2035, making zero-emission vehicle mandates common in the state. The electric-motorcycle mandate is expected to not only increase electric motorcycle sales but also boost overall sales gradually. It is predicted that over 280,000 new electric or hydrogen motorcycles will be sold in California by 2045. Although motorcycles account for less than 1% of all vehicle miles traveled in the state, they contribute a significant amount of smog-forming pollutants due to internal-combustion engines that are potentially more polluting than cars.
Harley-Davidson faced emission-gear cheating issues a decade ago but has since embraced electric vehicles. Established motorcycle manufacturers like Honda and BMW, along with emerging brands, are working to attract a new generation of riders to electric motorcycles. One potential issue with the proposed mandate is whether autocycles with three wheels, such as the one from California-based Aptera, will be included in the sales targets. The inclusion of these types of vehicles could further expand the electric-motorcycle market in California.
The electric-motorcycle mandate in California is aimed at significantly reducing emissions from motorcycles, which have been noted for contributing a disproportionate amount of smog-forming pollutants. By increasing the sales of zero-emission motorcycles, the state hopes to make a positive impact on air quality and reduce overall emissions from the transportation sector. This mandate is part of California’s larger efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
The proposed rules for the electric-motorcycle mandate in California have the potential to transform the motorcycle market in the state. With a credit system incentivizing zero-emission motorcycle sales and lower emissions targets for gasoline bikes, manufacturers will be encouraged to invest in electric vehicle technology. As established motorcycle companies and new entrants work to meet the sales targets, there is an opportunity to shift the industry towards more sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of motorcycle transportation in California.
If the electric-motorcycle mandate is approved, it could be a significant step towards achieving California’s goals for reducing emissions and transitioning to a cleaner transportation system. By increasing the sales of electric motorcycles and setting targets for zero-emission vehicle sales, the state is taking proactive measures to address air quality and reduce pollution from the transportation sector. With the potential for over 280,000 new electric or hydrogen motorcycles to be sold in California by 2045, this mandate could lead to a substantial shift towards electric vehicles in the motorcycle market and contribute to a greener future for transportation in the state.
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