Title 40

SECTION 86.1818-12

86.1818-12 Greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles.

§ 86.1818-12 Greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles.

(a) Applicability. (1) This section contains standards and other regulations applicable to the emission of the air pollutant defined as the aggregate group of six greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. This section applies to 2012 and later model year LDV, LDT and MDPV, including multi-fuel vehicles, vehicles fueled with alternative fuels, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. Unless otherwise specified, multi-fuel vehicles must comply with all requirements established for each consumed fuel. The provisions of this section, except paragraph (c), also apply to clean alternative fuel conversions as defined in 40 CFR 85.502, of all model year light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles. Manufacturers that qualify as a small business according to the requirements of § 86.1801-12(j) are exempt from the emission standards in this section. Manufacturers that have submitted a declaration for a model year according to the requirements of § 86.1801-12(k) for which approval has been granted by the Administrator are conditionally exempt from the emission standards in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section for the approved model year.

(2) The standards specified in this section apply for testing at both low-altitude conditions and high-altitude conditions. However, manufacturers must submit an engineering evaluation indicating that common calibration approaches are utilized at high altitude instead of performing testing for certification, consistent with § 86.1829. Any deviation from low altitude emission control practices must be included in the auxiliary emission control device (AECD) descriptions submitted at certification. Any AECD specific to high altitude requires engineering emission data for EPA evaluation to quantify any emission impact and determine the validity of the AECD.

(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Passenger automobile means a motor vehicle that is a passenger automobile as that term is defined in 49 CFR 523.4.

(2) Light truck means a motor vehicle that is a non-passenger automobile as that term is defined in 49 CFR 523.5.

(3) Manufacturer has the meaning given by the Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 531.4.

(c) Fleet average CO2 standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks. (1) For a given individual model year's production of passenger automobiles and light trucks, manufacturers must comply with a full useful life fleet average CO2 standard calculated according to the provisions of this paragraph (c). Manufacturers must calculate separate full useful life fleet average CO2 standards for their passenger automobile and light truck fleets, as those terms are defined in this section. Each manufacturer's fleet average CO2 standards determined in this paragraph (c) shall be expressed in whole grams per mile, in the model year specified as applicable. Manufacturers eligible for and choosing to participate in the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards for qualifying manufacturers specified in paragraph (e) of this section shall not include vehicles subject to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in the calculations of their primary passenger automobile or light truck standards determined in this paragraph (c). Manufacturers shall demonstrate compliance with the applicable standards according to the provisions of § 86.1865.

(2) Passenger automobiles - (i) Calculation of CO2 target values for passenger automobiles. A CO2 target value shall be determined for each passenger automobile as follows:

(A) For passenger automobiles with a footprint of less than or equal to 41 square feet, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be selected for the appropriate model year from the following table:

(B) For passenger automobiles with a footprint of greater than 56 square feet, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be selected for the appropriate model year from the following table:

(C) For passenger automobiles with a footprint that is greater than 41 square feet and less than or equal to 56 square feet, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be calculated using the following equation and rounded to the nearest 0.1 grams/mile, except that for any vehicle footprint the maximum CO2 target value shall be the value specified for the same model year in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) of this section:

Target CO2 = [a × f] + b Where: f is the vehicle footprint, as defined in § 86.1803; and a and b are selected from the following table for the appropriate model year:

(ii) Calculation of the fleet average CO2 standard for passenger automobiles. In each model year manufacturers must comply with the CO2 exhaust emission standard for their passenger automobile fleet, calculated for that model year as follows:

(A) A CO2 target value shall be determined according to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section for each unique combination of model type and footprint value.

(B) Each CO2 target value, determined for each unique combination of model type and footprint value, shall be multiplied by the total production of that model type/footprint combination for the appropriate model year.

(C) The resulting products shall be summed, and that sum shall be divided by the total production of passenger automobiles in that model year. The result shall be rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. This result shall be the applicable fleet average CO2 standard for the manufacturer's passenger automobile fleet.

(3) Light trucks - (i) Calculation of CO2 target values for light trucks. A CO2 target value shall be determined for each light truck as follows:

(A) For light trucks with a footprint of less than or equal to 41 square feet, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be selected for the appropriate model year from the following table:

(B) For light trucks with a footprint that is greater than 41 square feet and less than or equal to the maximum footprint value specified in the table below for each model year, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be calculated using the following equation and rounded to the nearest 0.1 grams/mile, except that for any vehicle footprint the maximum CO2 target value shall be the value specified for the same model year in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(D) of this section:

Target CO2 = (a × f) + b Where:

f is the footprint, as defined in § 86.1803; and a and b are selected from the following table for the appropriate model year:

(C) For light trucks with a footprint that is greater than the minimum footprint value specified in the table below and less than or equal to the maximum footprint value specified in the table below for each model year, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be calculated using the following equation and rounded to the nearest 0.1 grams/mile, except that for any vehicle footprint the maximum CO2 target value shall be the value specified for the same model year in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(D) of this section:

Target CO2 = (a × f) + b Where: f is the footprint, as defined in § 86.1803; and a and b are selected from the following table for the appropriate model year:

(D) For light trucks with a footprint greater than the minimum value specified in the table below for each model year, the gram/mile CO2 target value shall be selected for the appropriate model year from the following table:

(ii) Calculation of fleet average CO2 standards for light trucks. In each model year manufacturers must comply with the CO2 exhaust emission standard for their light truck fleet, calculated for that model year as follows:

(A) A CO2 target value shall be determined according to paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section for each unique combination of model type and footprint value.

(B) Each CO2 target value, which represents a unique combination of model type and footprint value, shall be multiplied by the total production of that model type/footprint combination for the appropriate model year.

(C) The resulting products shall be summed, and that sum shall be divided by the total production of light trucks in that model year. The result shall be rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. This result shall be the applicable fleet average CO2 standard for the manufacturer's light truck fleet.

(4) Emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles may be excluded from the emission standards described in this section. The manufacturer must notify the Administrator that they are making such an election in the model year reports required under § 600.512 of this chapter. Such vehicles should be excluded from both the calculation of the fleet average standard for a manufacturer under this paragraph (c) and from the calculation of the fleet average carbon-related exhaust emissions in § 600.510-12.

(d) In-use CO2 exhaust emission standards. The in-use CO2 exhaust emission standard shall be the combined city/highway carbon-related exhaust emission value calculated for the appropriate vehicle carline/subconfiguration according to the provisions of § 600.113-12(g)(4) of this chapter multiplied by 1.1 and rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. For in-use vehicle carlines/subconfigurations for which a combined city/highway carbon-related exhaust emission value was not determined under § 600.113-12(g)(4) of this chapter, the in-use CO2 exhaust emission standard shall be the combined city/highway carbon-related exhaust emission value calculated according to the provisions of § 600.208 of this chapter for the vehicle model type (except that total model year production data shall be used instead of sales projections) multiplied by 1.1 and rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. For vehicles that are capable of operating on multiple fuels, except plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, a separate in-use standard shall be determined for each fuel that the vehicle is capable of operating on. These standards apply to in-use testing performed by the manufacturer pursuant to regulations at §§ 86.1845 and 86.1846 and to in-use testing performed by EPA.

(e) Temporary Lead Time Allowance Alternative Standards. (1) The interim fleet average CO2 standards in this paragraph (e) are optionally applicable to each qualifying manufacturer, where the terms “sales” or “sold” as used in this paragraph (e) means vehicles produced for U.S. sale, where “U.S.” means the states and territories of the United States.

(i) A qualifying manufacturer is a manufacturer with sales of 2009 model year combined passenger automobiles and light trucks of greater than zero and less than 400,000 vehicles that elects to participate in the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards described in this paragraph (e).

(A) If a manufacturer sold less than 400,000 but more than zero 2009 model year combined passenger automobiles and light trucks while under the control of another manufacturer, where those 2009 model year passenger automobiles and light trucks bore the brand of the producing manufacturer, and where the producing manufacturer became independent no later than December 31, 2010, the producing manufacturer is a qualifying manufacturer.

(B) In the case where two or more qualifying manufacturers combine as the result of merger or the purchase of 50 percent or more of one or more companies by another company, and if the combined 2009 model year sales of the merged or combined companies is less than 400,000 but more than zero (combined passenger automobiles and light trucks), the corporate entity formed by the combination of two or more qualifying manufacturers shall continue to be a qualifying manufacturer, except the provisions of paragraph (e)(1)(i)(D) shall apply in the case where one of the merging companies elects to voluntarily opt out of the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards as allowed under paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section. The total number of vehicles that the corporate entity is allowed to include under the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards shall be determined by paragraph (e)(2) or (e)(3) of this section, where sales is the total combined 2009 model year sales of all of the merged or combined companies. Vehicles sold by the companies that combined by merger/acquisition to form the corporate entity that were subject to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in paragraph (e)(4) of this section prior to the merger/acquisition shall be combined to determine the remaining number of vehicles that the corporate entity may include under the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in this paragraph (e).

(C) In the case where two or more manufacturers combine as the result of merger or the purchase of 50 percent or more of one or more companies by another company, and if the combined 2009 model year sales of the merged or combined companies is equal to or greater than 400,000 (combined passenger automobiles and light trucks), the new corporate entity formed by the combination of two or more manufacturers is not a qualifying manufacturer. Such a manufacturer shall meet the emission standards in paragraph (c) of this section beginning with the model year that is numerically two years greater than the calendar year in which the merger/acquisition(s) took place.

(D) In the case where two or more manufacturers combine as the result of merger or the purchase of 50 percent or more of one or more companies by another company, where one of the manufacturers chooses to voluntarily opt out of the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards under the provisions of paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section, the new corporate entity formed by the combination of two or more manufacturers is not a qualifying manufacturer. Such a manufacturer shall meet the emission standards in paragraph (c) of this section beginning with the model year that is numerically two years greater than the calendar year in which the merger/acquisition(s) took place. If one or more of the merged or combined manufacturers was complying with the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards prior to the merger/combination, that manufacturer is no longer eligible for the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards beginning with the model year that is numerically two years greater than the calendar year in which the merger/acquisition(s) took place. The cumulative number of vehicles that such a manufacturer may include in the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards, including those that were included by all merged manufacturers prior to the merger/acquisition, is limited to 100,000.

(ii) For the purposes of making the determination in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section, “manufacturer” shall mean that term as defined at 49 CFR 531.4 and as that definition was applied to the 2009 model year for the purpose of determining compliance with the 2009 corporate average fuel economy standards at 49 CFR parts 531 and 533.

(iii) A qualifying manufacturer may not use these Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards until they have used all available banked credits and/or credits available for transfer accrued under § 86.1865-12(k). A qualifying manufacturer with a net positive credit balance calculated under § 86.1865-12(k) in any model year after considering all available credits either generated, carried forward from a prior model year, transferred from other averaging sets, or obtained from other manufacturers, may not use these Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in such model year.

(iv) In the event of a merger, acquisition, or combination with another manufacturer, a qualifying manufacturer that has not certified any vehicles to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in any model year may voluntarily opt out of the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards. A manufacturer making this election must notify EPA in writing of their intent prior to the end of the model year in which a merger or combination with another manufacturer becomes effective. The notification must indicate that the manufacturer is electing to not use the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards in any model year, and that any manufacturers that are either purchased by or merged with the manufacturer making this election must also meet the emission standards in paragraph (c) of this section beginning with the model year that is numerically two years greater than the calendar year in which the merger/acquisition(s) took place.

(2) Qualifying manufacturers may select any combination of 2012 through 2015 model year passenger automobiles and/or light trucks to include under the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards determined in this paragraph (e) up to a cumulative total of 100,000 vehicles. Vehicles selected to comply with these standards shall not be included in the calculations of the manufacturer's fleet average standards under paragraph (c) of this section.

(3)(i) Qualifying manufacturers with sales of 2009 model year combined passenger automobiles and light trucks in the United States of greater than zero and less than 50,000 vehicles may select any combination of 2012 through 2015 model year passenger automobiles and/or light trucks to include under the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards determined in this paragraph (e) up to a cumulative total of 200,000 vehicles, and additionally may select up to 50,000 2016 model year vehicles to include under the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards determined in this paragraph (e). To be eligible for the provisions of this paragraph (e)(3) qualifying manufacturers must provide annual documentation of good-faith efforts made by the manufacturer to purchase credits from other manufacturers. Without such documentation, the manufacturer may use the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards according to the provisions of paragraph (e)(2) of this section, and the provisions of this paragraph (e)(3) shall not apply. Vehicles selected to comply with these standards shall not be included in the calculations of the manufacturer's fleet average standards under paragraph (c) of this section.

(ii) Manufacturers that qualify in the 2016 model year for the expanded Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards described in paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section, may, subject to certain restrictions, use an alternative compliance schedule that provides additional lead time to meet the standards in paragraph (c) of this section for the 2017 through 2020 model years.

(A) The alternative compliance schedule is as follows. In lieu of the standards in paragraph (c) of this section that would otherwise be applicable to the model year shown in the first column of the table below, a qualifying manufacturer may comply with the standards in paragraph (c) of this section determined for the model year shown in the second column of the table. In the 2021 and later model years the manufacturer must meet the standards designated for each model year in paragraph (c) of this section.

(B) A manufacturer using the alternative compliance schedule in paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section may not sell or otherwise transfer credits generated in years when the alternative phase-in is used to other manufacturers. Other provisions in § 86.1865 regarding credit banking, deficit carry-forward, and within-manufacturer transfers across fleets apply.

(4) To calculate the applicable Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards, qualifying manufacturers shall determine the fleet average standard separately for the passenger automobiles and light trucks selected by the manufacturer to be subject to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standards, subject to the limitations expressed in paragraphs (e)(1) through (3) of this section.

(i) The Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standard applicable to qualified passenger automobiles as defined in § 600.002-08 of this chapter shall be the standard calculated using the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section for the appropriate model year multiplied by 1.25 and rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. For the purposes of applying paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section to determine the standard, the passenger automobile fleet shall be limited to those passenger automobiles subject to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standard.

(ii) The Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standard applicable to qualified light trucks (i.e. non-passenger automobiles as defined in § 600.002-08 of this chapter) shall be the standard calculated using the provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section for the appropriate model year multiplied by 1.25 and rounded to the nearest whole gram per mile. For the purposes of applying paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section to determine the standard, the light truck fleet shall be limited to those light trucks subject to the Temporary Leadtime Allowance Alternative Standard.

(5) Manufacturers choosing to optionally apply these standards are subject to the restrictions on credit banking and trading specified in § 86.1865-12.

(f) Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) exhaust emission standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks. Each manufacturer's fleet of combined passenger automobiles and light trucks must comply with N2O and CH4 standards using either the provisions of paragraph (f)(1), (2), or (3) of this section. Except with prior EPA approval, a manufacturer may not use the provisions of both paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section in a model year. For example, a manufacturer may not use the provisions of paragraph (f)(1) of this section for their passenger automobile fleet and the provisions of paragraph (f)(2) for their light truck fleet in the same model year. The manufacturer may use the provisions of both paragraphs (f)(1) and (3) of this section in a model year. For example, a manufacturer may meet the N2O standard in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section and an alternative CH4 standard determined under paragraph (f)(3) of this section. Vehicles certified using the N2O data submittal waiver provisions of § 86.1829(b)(1)(iii)(G) are not required to be tested for N2O under the in-use testing programs required by § 86.1845 and § 86.1846.

(1) Standards applicable to each test group. (i) Exhaust emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) shall not exceed 0.010 grams per mile at full useful life, as measured according to the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) described in subpart B of this part. Manufacturers may optionally determine an alternative N2O standard under paragraph (f)(3) of this section. (ii) Exhaust emissions of methane (CH4) shall not exceed 0.030 grams per mile at full useful life, as measured according to the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) described in subpart B of this part. Manufacturers may optionally determine an alternative CH4 standard under paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(2) Include N 2O and CH4 in fleet averaging program. Manufacturers may elect to not meet the emission standards in paragraph (f)(1) of this section. Manufacturers making this election shall include N2O and CH4 emissions in the determination of their fleet average carbon-related exhaust emissions, as calculated in 40 CFR part 600, subpart F. Manufacturers using this option must include both N2O and CH4 full useful life values in the fleet average calculations for passenger automobiles and light trucks. Use of this option will account for N2O and CH4 emissions within the carbon-related exhaust emission value determined for each model type according to the provisions of 40 CFR part 600. This option requires the determination of full useful life emission values for both the Federal Test Procedure and the Highway Fuel Economy Test. Manufacturers selecting this option are not required to demonstrate compliance with the standards in paragraph (f)(1) of this section.

(3) Optional use of alternative N2O and/or CH4 standards. Manufacturers may select an alternative standard applicable to a test group, for either N2O or CH4, or both. For example, a manufacturer may choose to meet the N2O standard in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section and an alternative CH4 standard in lieu of the standard in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section. The alternative standard for each pollutant must be greater than the applicable exhaust emission standard specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section. Alternative N2O and CH4 standards apply to emissions measured according to the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) described in Subpart B of this part for the full useful life, and become the applicable certification and in-use emission standard(s) for the test group. Manufacturers using an alternative standard for N2O and/or CH4 must calculate emission debits according to the provisions of paragraph (f)(4) of this section for each test group/alternative standard combination. Debits must be included in the calculation of total credits or debits generated in a model year as required under § 86.1865-12(k)(5). For flexible fuel vehicles (or other vehicles certified for multiple fuels) you must meet these alternative standards when tested on any applicable test fuel type.

(4) CO2-equivalent debits. CO2-equivalent debits for test groups using an alternative N2O and/or CH4 standard as determined under paragraph (f)(3) of this section shall be calculated according to the following equation and rounded to the nearest whole megagram:

Debits = [GWP × (Production) × (AltStd - Std) × VLM] ÷ 1,000,000 Where: Debits = CO2-equivalent debits for N2O or CH4, in Megagrams, for a test group using an alternative N2O or CH4 standard, rounded to the nearest whole Megagram; GWP = 25 if calculating CH4 debits and 298 if calculating N2O debits; Production = The number of vehicles of that test group domestically produced plus those imported as defined in § 600.511 of this chapter; AltStd = The alternative standard (N2O or CH4) selected by the manufacturer under paragraph (f)(3) of this section; Std = The exhaust emission standard for N2O or CH4 specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section; and VLM = 195,264 for passenger automobiles and 225,865 for light trucks.

(g) Alternative fleet average standards for manufacturers with limited U.S. sales. Manufacturers meeting the criteria in this paragraph (g) may request that the Administrator establish alternative fleet average CO2 standards that would apply instead of the standards in paragraph (c) of this section. The provisions of this paragraph (g) are applicable only to the 2017 and later model years. A manufacturer that has sought and received EPA approval for alternative standards for the 2017 model year may, at their option, choose to comply with those standards in the 2015 and 2016 model years in lieu of requesting a conditional exemption under § 86.1801(k).

(1) Eligibility for alternative standards. Eligibility as determined in this paragraph (g) shall be based on the total sales of combined passenger automobiles and light trucks. The terms “sales” and “sold” as used in this paragraph (g) shall mean vehicles produced for U.S. sale, where “U.S.” means the states and territories of the United States. For the purpose of determining eligibility the sales of related companies shall be aggregated according to the provisions of § 86.1838-01(b)(3), or, if a manufacturer has been granted operational independence status under § 86.1838(d), eligibility shall be based on vehicle production of that manufacturer. To be eligible for alternative standards established under this paragraph (g), the manufacturer's average sales for the three most recent consecutive model years must remain below 5,000. If a manufacturer's average sales for the three most recent consecutive model years exceeds 4999, the manufacturer will no longer be eligible for exemption and must meet applicable emission standards starting with the model year according to the provisions in this paragraph (g)(1).

(i) If a manufacturer's average sales for three consecutive model years exceeds 4999, and if the increase in sales is the result of corporate acquisitions, mergers, or purchase by another manufacturer, the manufacturer shall comply with the emission standards described in paragraph (c) of this section, as applicable, beginning with the first model year after the last year of the three consecutive model years.

(ii) If a manufacturer's average sales for three consecutive model years exceeds 4999 and is less than 50,000, and if the increase in sales is solely the result of the manufacturer's expansion in vehicle production (not the result of corporate acquisitions, mergers, or purchase by another manufacturer), the manufacturer shall comply with the emission standards described in paragraph (c), of this section, as applicable, beginning with the second model year after the last year of the three consecutive model years.

(2) Requirements for new entrants into the U.S. market. New entrants are those manufacturers without a prior record of automobile sales in the United States and without prior certification to (or exemption from, under § 86.1801-12(k)) greenhouse gas emission standards in § 86.1818-12. In addition to the eligibility requirements stated in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, new entrants must meet the following requirements:

(i) In addition to the information required under paragraph (g)(4) of this section, new entrants must provide documentation that shows a clear intent by the company to actually enter the U.S. market in the years for which alternative standards are requested. Demonstrating such intent could include providing documentation that shows the establishment of a U.S. dealer network, documentation of work underway to meet other U.S. requirements (e.g., safety standards), or other information that reasonably establishes intent to the satisfaction of the Administrator.

(ii) Sales of vehicles in the U.S. by new entrants must remain below 5,000 vehicles for the first three model years in the U.S. market, and in subsequent years the average sales for any three consecutive years must remain below 5,000 vehicles. Vehicles sold in violation of these limits within the first five model years will be considered not covered by the certificate of conformity and the manufacturer will be subject to penalties on an individual-vehicle basis for sale of vehicles not covered by a certificate. In addition, violation of these limits will result in loss of eligibility for alternative standards until such point as the manufacturer demonstrates two consecutive model years of sales below 5,000 automobiles. After the first five model years, the eligibility provisions in paragraph (g)(1) of this section apply, where violating the sales thresholds is no longer a violation of the condition on the certificate, but is instead grounds for losing eligibility for alternative standards.

(iii) A manufacturer with sales in the most recent model year of less than 5,000 automobiles, but where prior model year sales were not less than 5,000 automobiles, is eligible to request alternative standards under this paragraph (g). However, such a manufacturer will be considered a new entrant and subject to the provisions regarding new entrants in this paragraph (g), except that the requirement to demonstrate an intent to enter the U.S. market in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section shall not apply.

(3) How to request alternative fleet average standards. Eligible manufacturers may petition for alternative standards for up to five consecutive model years if sufficient information is available on which to base such standards.

(i) To request alternative standards starting with the 2017 model year, eligible manufacturers must submit a completed application no later than July 30, 2013.

(ii) To request alternative standards starting with a model year after 2017, eligible manufacturers must submit a completed request no later than 36 months prior to the start of the first model year to which the alternative standards would apply.

(iii) The request must contain all the information required in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, and must be signed by a chief officer of the company. If the Administrator determines that the content of the request is incomplete or insufficient, the manufacturer will be notified and given an additional 30 days to amend the request.

(4) Data and information submittal requirements. Eligible manufacturers requesting alternative standards under this paragraph (g) must submit the following information to the Environmental Protection Agency. The Administrator may request additional information as she deems appropriate. The completed request must be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency at the following address: Director, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.

(i) Vehicle model and fleet information. (A) The model years to which the requested alternative standards would apply, limited to five consecutive model years.

(B) Vehicle models and projections of production volumes for each model year.

(C) Detailed description of each model, including the vehicle type, vehicle mass, power, footprint, powertrain, and expected pricing.

(D) The expected production cycle for each model, including new model introductions and redesign or refresh cycles.

(ii) Technology evaluation information. (A) The CO2 reduction technologies employed by the manufacturer on each vehicle model, or projected to be employed, including information regarding the cost and CO2 -reducing effectiveness. Include technologies that improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce air conditioning system leakage, and any “off-cycle” technologies that potentially provide benefits outside the operation represented by the Federal Test Procedure and the Highway Fuel Economy Test.

(B) An evaluation of comparable models from other manufacturers, including CO2 results and air conditioning credits generated by the models. Comparable vehicles should be similar, but not necessarily identical, in the following respects: vehicle type, horsepower, mass, power-to-weight ratio, footprint, retail price, and any other relevant factors. For manufacturers requesting alternative standards starting with the 2017 model year, the analysis of comparable vehicles should include vehicles from the 2012 and 2013 model years, otherwise the analysis should at a minimum include vehicles from the most recent two model years.

(C) A discussion of the CO2-reducing technologies employed on vehicles offered outside of the U.S. market but not available in the U.S., including a discussion as to why those vehicles and/or technologies are not being used to achieve CO2 reductions for vehicles in the U.S. market.

(D) An evaluation, at a minimum, of the technologies projected by the Environmental Protection Agency in a final rulemaking as those technologies likely to be used to meet greenhouse gas emission standards and the extent to which those technologies are employed or projected to be employed by the manufacturer. For any technology that is not projected to be fully employed, explain why this is the case.

(iii) Alternative fleet average CO2 standards. (A) The most stringent CO2 level estimated to be feasible for each model, in each model year, and the technological basis for this estimate.

(B) For each model year, a projection of the lowest feasible sales-weighted fleet average CO2 value, separately for passenger automobiles and light trucks, and an explanation demonstrating that these projections are reasonable.

(C) A copy of any application, data, and related information submitted to NHTSA in support of a request for alternative Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards filed under 49 CFR Part 525.

(iv) Information supporting eligibility. (A) U.S. sales for the three previous model years and projected sales for the model years for which the manufacturer is seeking alternative standards.

(B) Information regarding ownership relationships with other manufacturers, including details regarding the application of the provisions of § 86.1838-01(b)(3) regarding the aggregation of sales of related companies,

(5) Alternative standards. Upon receiving a complete application, the Administrator will review the application and determine whether an alternative standard is warranted. If the Administrator judges that an alternative standard is warranted, the Administrator will publish a proposed determination in the Federal Register to establish alternative standards for the manufacturer that the Administrator judges are appropriate. Following a 30 day public comment period, the Administrator will issue a final determination establishing alternative standards for the manufacturer. If the Administrator does not establish alternative standards for an eligible manufacturer prior to 12 months before the first model year to which the alternative standards would apply, the manufacturer may request an extension of the exemption under § 86.1801-12(k) or an extension of previously approved alternative standards, whichever may apply.

(6) Restrictions on credit trading. Manufacturers subject to alternative standards approved by the Administrator under this paragraph (g) may not trade credits to another manufacturer. Transfers between car and truck fleets within the manufacturer are allowed, and the carry-forward provisions for credits and deficits apply.

(h) Mid-term evaluation of standards. No later than April 1, 2018, the Administrator shall determine whether the standards established in paragraph (c) of this section for the 2022 through 2025 model years are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, in light of the record then before the Administrator. An opportunity for public comment shall be provided before making such determination. If the Administrator determines they are not appropriate, the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to revise the standards, to be either more or less stringent as appropriate.

(1) In making the determination required by this paragraph (h), the Administrator shall consider the information available on the factors relevant to setting greenhouse gas emission standards under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act for model years 2022 through 2025, including but not limited to:

(i) The availability and effectiveness of technology, and the appropriate lead time for introduction of technology;

(ii) The cost on the producers or purchasers of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines;

(iii) The feasibility and practicability of the standards;

(iv) The impact of the standards on reduction of emissions, oil conservation, energy security, and fuel savings by consumers;

(v) The impact of the standards on the automobile industry;

(vi) The impacts of the standards on automobile safety;

(vii) The impact of the greenhouse gas emission standards on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and a national harmonized program; and

(viii) The impact of the standards on other relevant factors.

(2) The Administrator shall make the determination required by this paragraph (h) based upon a record that includes the following:

(i) A draft Technical Assessment Report addressing issues relevant to the standard for the 2022 through 2025 model years;

(ii) Public comment on the draft Technical Assessment Report;

(iii) Public comment on whether the standards established for the 2022 through 2025 model years are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act; and

(iv) Such other materials the Administrator deems appropriate.

(3) No later than November 15, 2017, the Administrator shall issue a draft Technical Assessment Report addressing issues relevant to the standards for the 2022 through 2025 model years.

(4) The Administrator will set forth in detail the bases for the determination required by this paragraph (h), including the Administrator's assessment of each of the factors listed in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.

[75 FR 25686, May 7, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 19874, Apr. 8, 2011; 76 FR 39521, July 6, 2011; 76 FR 57377, Sept. 15, 2011; 77 FR 63156, Oct. 15, 2012; 79 FR 23725, Apr. 28, 2014; 81 FR 73985, Oct. 25, 2016; 85 FR 25268, Apr. 30, 2020]

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