The California Air Resources Board (CARB) shook things up in 2021 with the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Regulation. This set of rules is all about steering the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle arenas towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The ACT is California’s bold move to combat climate change and, let’s be honest, it’s a game-changer for motorhomes and RVs as we know them.
So, what’s the big picture here? CARB’s got a vision—one where smog-spewing rides are swapped out for cleaner, greener machines. The focus is on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 8,500 pounds, which snags a bunch of motorhomes under its net. By 2035, the goal is getting 55% of these vehicles in Class 2b–3 rolling out as ZEVs, along with 75% for Class 4–8 trucks and 40% for truck tractors.
Why does this matter for anyone cruising in an RV? Well, this is part of California’s larger push to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by 40% come 2030. That means a transition is not just on the horizon but happening now. The ACT regulation isn’t just shaking up California, though. It’s setting a standard that could change the way we all explore the open road.
Understanding the Scope and Applicability of ACT
When it comes to the ACT, not just any vehicle makes the cut. We’re talking about those big rigs and, you guessed it, many motorhomes that tip the scales with a GVWR over 8,500 pounds. This regulation zeroes in on significant weight categories, meaning it’s got its sights squarely set on the kind of motorhomes that weekend warriors and full-timers love.
Here’s the scorecard: by 2035, California wants to see 55% of Class 2b–3 vehicles as ZEVs, and even higher percentages for bigger trucks. It’s a hefty goal, no doubt, but it’s all part of the drive towards cleaner air. Put simply, if you’re running a hefty motorhome, change is coming.
And it’s not just contained to California. Get ready as six other states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, have pledged to adopt these regs by 2025, with Vermont tagging along by 2026. By 2027, we’re looking at 11 states representing a significant chunk of U.S. motorhome sales embracing these zero-emission targets. For the RV industry, this geo-expansion means keeping an eye on new market dynamics and opportunities.
This path isn’t all high beams and smooth highways. Challenges are part of the journey, especially when thinking about how these new ZEV rules will shape sales and production strategies. Manufacturers and retailers will need to adapt—quickly—to comply and thrive in this evolving landscape.
Key Impacts on the Motorhome and RV Industry
The dawn of the ACT Regulation sends ripples through the motorhome and RV industry, shaking up how things roll. Class A, B, and C motorhomes, often hefty enough to fall into this regulation’s scope, face new challenges they can’t ignore.
What’s the skinny on new versus used motorhomes? Only new models with less than 7,500 miles on them fall under the ACT’s eye. Used RVs? Still good to hit the road—or the used lot—in participating states. This offers a hint of relief for dealers relying on used inventory to keep the lights on.
Manufacturers hit a bump with production hurdles. Building motorhomes on ZEV chassis—practically unicorns in today’s market—is pricey and, frankly, a bit puzzling, given the current lack of options. This plays havoc with any plans to churn out new motorhomes in states bound by the ACT rules.
For those in the business, these regulations mean keeping up with shifting landscapes in costs, designs, and market demands. Navigating these waters isn’t easy, but essential for keeping the wheels turning on livelihoods tied to RVs.
The rationale behind all these shifts is clear: to churn less pollution, making California and its fellow ACT states greener. For industry folks, adapting isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.
Strategies and Challenges for Compliance
Complying with the ACT regulation isn’t just about flipping a switch; it requires a few game plans to keep things in balance. First up, manufacturers are grappling with the ZEV credit system. Now, these credits, meant to offset the production of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, don’t come cheap and could pinch the bottom line.
Developing ZEV-compatible motorhomes isn’t just about slapping a new coat of paint on the old model—it’s reinventing the wheel. High costs and limited supply mean challenges aplenty. With no ready-to-roll ZEV chassis for motorhomes, facing production halts becomes a real possibility for anything beyond California’s first adopters.
Dealers, too, face a learning curve. They’re tasked with tracking sales and registrations more meticulously to meet compliance nuts and bolts. It’s all about staying up-to-date and ensuring those paper trails align with new legal landscapes.
For the RV industry, embracing these challenges means looking toward creative solutions. Partnering up with policymakers, investing in innovation, and doubling down on efficiency are essentials, not extras, as they navigate these evolving terrains.
Looking Forward: Opportunities and Innovations
With the ACT regulation carving new paths, the road ahead is brimming with opportunities and innovative strides for the motorhome industry. Incentives are one of the bright spots offering a helping hand to offset the upfront costs of embracing zero-emission tech. This could lighten the load alongside the ambition of going green and turning eco-friendly initiatives into viable business models.
That’s where tapping into the market’s eco-conscious segment comes into play. As consumers grow increasingly aware of their carbon footprint, ZEV motorhomes could find a sweet spot among those eager to enjoy the open road responsibly. It’s about making a move that’s both planet-friendly and profit-savvy.
ACT doesn’t just reshape the vehicles; it calls for industry collaboration at unprecedented levels. Manufacturers, dealers, and policymakers working in tandem can create a landscape where compliance and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords but standard practice.
The need to adapt swiftly is key, and the focus might shift toward used motorhomes as a buffer for dealers to keep up with demands in ACT states. Diversifying inventory isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in this new era where environmental consciousness merges with business acuity.
Ultimately, the ACT regulation is set to keep influencing RV manufacturing and sales long after the initial adjustments. As the industry adapts, growing pains will give way to a new normal, where zero emissions are just part of the journey. Embracing this future, with foresight and flexibility, holds the promise of carving out niches in an evolving marketplace.
About the Author
Jim has 3.5 years of experience living and traveling full-time in an RV. From “moochdocking” with family and friends to navigating the financial intricacies of RV life, he shares practical advice rooted in firsthand experience. His goal is to help fellow adventurers embrace the RV lifestyle with confidence and ease.
The ACT Regulation is indeed a significant move by CARB that’s reshaping the future of transportation, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
It’s clear that this regulation is not just a local California issue but has far-reaching implications for the entire motorhome and RV industry.
Manufacturers and dealers will need to be agile and creative in their approach to compliance, which could lead to new technologies and business models that benefit both the environment.
It’s a bold step towards a greener future, and it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves in response to these new regulations.
Thank you for sharing your insights! You’ve made an excellent point about the ACT Regulation being more than a local issue—it truly has the potential to redefine the motorhome and RV industry nationwide.
I agree that compliance will require agility and innovation from manufacturers and dealers, and I’m hopeful that this shift will pave the way for more eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices within the industry. While the challenges are significant, the opportunities to contribute to a greener future are equally exciting.
It will indeed be fascinating to observe how the industry adapts and thrives in response to these changes. Your perspective adds a valuable dimension to the conversation—thanks again for contributing!