| Abstract |
EPA’s light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) rules include an opportunity for manufacturers to generate CO2 credits for technologies that provide CO2 reductions not captured by the 2-cycle emissions test. Pursuant to those rules, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Ford Motor Company (Ford), and General Motors Corporation (GM) submitted applications requesting off-cycle credits for a variety of technologies and model years. FCA and Ford submitted applications that describe methodologies for determining off-cycle credits from high efficiency exterior lighting, solar reflective glass/glazing, solar reflective paint, and active seat ventilation. Ford’s application proposed methodologies for determining the off-cycle benefits from active aerodynamic improvements (grill shutters), active transmission warm-up, active engine warm-up technologies, and engine idle stop-start. GM’s application described the real-world benefits of an air conditioning compressor with variable crankcase suction valve technology. FCA’s application is limited to 2009 through 2013 model year vehicles. Ford requested the credits described in the application for 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles. GM’s request for their air conditioning compressor technology was limited to the 2013-2015 model years. EPA published a notice in the Federal Register on June 3, 2015 announcing a 30 day public comment period for these applications.1 EPA received no adverse comments regarding the credits sought from these technologies by FCA, Ford, and GM, and is hereby approving the technologies, methodologies for determining credits, and credit levels as described in the applications from the manufacturers and in the Federal Register. EPA received comments only from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group representing 12 vehicle manufacturers, including FCA, Ford, and GM. The comments were supportive and recommended approval of the methodologies for determining off-cycle credits, noting that approval “will encourage further investment in real-world GHG emission reducing technologies.� |
