Summary
- California Air Resources Board is providing a plan to move motorcycles to electric vehicles by requiring a percentage of vehicles to go EV or purchase credits
- Aptera supports the move, stating that motorcycles emit a lot of pollution and need to adapt to stringent emissions rules
- The mandate-credit plan would require 10% of motorcycles to be electric by 2028, increasing by 5% each year until 2035
- The plan incentivizes the manufacture of better electric motorcycles by offering credit variations based on power, range, and early adoption
- The U.S. motorcycle market faces challenges due to low gas prices, regulatory requirements, and lack of motorcycle licensing, which could be overcome by offering more three-wheeled vehicles and embracing the space between e-bikes and motorcycles.
Article
The California Air Resources Board recently provided a way for motorcycles to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by requiring a percentage of vehicles to go electric or for manufacturers to buy credits from other EV manufacturers. This move not only applies to motorcycles but also to related vehicles like trikes and autocycles. Companies that exclusively make electric motorcycles will benefit from this, as ICE motorcycle manufacturers will need to buy credits from them.
A meeting held by the California Air Resources Board discussed adding a credit provision to the mandate, with companies like Aptera expressing support for this initiative. Motorcycles, despite using less fuel, emit more pollution than cars, making them a target for emissions reduction. The requirement of a growing percentage of EVs and allowing credit trading has been successful in promoting the emergence and success of EV companies like Tesla.
The mandate-credit plan will begin by requiring 10% of motorcycles and three wheelers to be electric by 2028, increasing by 5% each year until 2035. Manufacturers must meet these targets or purchase credits from other companies. The credit system also incentivizes the manufacture of better electric motorcycles by offering bonuses for power, range, and early adoption. This will encourage manufacturers to use more advanced battery technology.
Motorcycles face challenges in the United States due to low gas prices, regulatory requirements, safety concerns, and the preference for larger vehicles. Offering more three-wheeled vehicles or embracing the space between e-bikes and motorcycles could provide solutions to these challenges. By expanding options for efficient vehicles and regulating them appropriately, the market for motorcycles and related vehicles can thrive in the United States.
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