California is on the brink of a significant shift in the motorhome market, as new emission rules could soon halt the sales of certain models.
Industry insiders are sounding the alarm as California’s new emission regulations for diesel vehicles are poised to take effect. These regulations could potentially bring the sale of new motorhomes to a standstill in a matter of weeks.
Regulations in California
About a month ago, on October 24, the California Air Resources Board made a pivotal decision to amend the Advanced Clean Truck regulations. This amendment requires manufacturers of vehicles weighing over 8,500 pounds to gradually increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) they offer in California. This move aligns with the state’s ambitious goal of phasing out the sale of all new gasoline cars by 2035.
Actually, critics within the industry have pointed out that this amendment will primarily impact the sales of large, diesel-powered motorhomes. The models most affected include:
- Class A motorhomes
- Super C recreational vehicles
These motorhomes typically have a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8,500 pounds, making them the primary targets of the new regulations.
Amidst ongoing discussions about the future of transportation, there are rising concerns surrounding gas-powered motorhomes. Critics argue that the technology for zero-emission motorhomes is not yet readily available.
The Debate on Motorhome Emissions
At a recent meeting on October 24, Joe Snyder from Freightliner Custom Chassis shared his perspective with CARB, stating, “RVs are low mileage, low fuel, and thus low-emission vehicles due to their infrequent use.” He emphasized that restricting the sale of new RVs won’t necessarily curb consumer demand for them.
Understanding CARB’s Position
According to SFGATE, CARB said that there is no outright motorhome ban in place. Instead, a credit system is designed to provide flexibility. Here’s how it works:
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- Manufacturers unable to meet emission requirements can purchase credits from those who do.
- This system allows them to continue selling internal combustion engines as needed to satisfy market demands.
Additionally, CARB spokesperson Lys Mendez explained that manufacturers have the option to concentrate their Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) production efforts on other vehicle categories where this technology is more feasible, thus still complying with the regulations.
The recent California regulations have taken a bold step, aligning with other states like Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. These regulations have influenced significant players in the market, causing some major sellers to reconsider their positions.
Impact on Major Diesel Chassis Builders
The changes have prompted a response from big names in the industry. According to RV Travel, two prominent diesel chassis builders, Spartan and Freightliner, have informed Nemar RV of their inability to comply with the new requirements. In a letter addressed to dealers, Newmar announced that starting November 4, they would cease offering diesel-fueled motorhomes on these platforms.
Efforts for Industry Exemption
The RV industry lobbyists are actively seeking an exemption for motorhomes, contending that the new requirement is excessively burdensome. They highlight concerns about how this could affect both the availability and the pricing of motorhomes.
- The requirement is considered too costly.
- It could significantly affect motorhome availability.
- Overall costs for consumers might increase.
The Future of Motorhome Sales in California
While ongoing discussions continue with manufacturers, dealers, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to find a viable solution, the current trajectory suggests that, without changes, motorhomes will neither be sold nor registered in California starting in 2025.