ZEV Credit Applications Available For RV Manufacturers

In accordance with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) small off-road engine (SORE) regulations, spark-ignition generators at or below 19 kW (like those commonly used in recreational vehicles) will be subject to more stringent emission standards starting with the 2024 model year.  Starting with the 2028 model year, the standards will permit only the sale of zero emissions generators unless manufacturers of noncompliant generators are able to offset their noncompliance deficits with credits generated from the sale of zero emission generators in the 2023-2026 model year time period.

To facilitate the generation of MY23 and later zero emission generator credits, CARB’s certification staff have developed a draft certification application (pending final approval) that manufacturers of zero emission generators may use to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. Zero emission generator credits may be generated by any entity capable of producing and certifying a zero emission generator (i.e., the zero emission credit generation program is not limited to manufacturers of traditional spark ignition engine generators). A copy of the draft certification application is attached here.

If and when a manufacturer is ready to seek zero emission generator certification, the manufacturer must send an e-mail to CARB at ofsec@arb.ca.gov.  After doing so, they will be assigned a CARB certification representative who will guide them through the mechanics of submitting the zero emission generator certification application, how to pay the CARB certification fee, electronic submission, etc.

The SORE regulatory requirements for Zero-emission Generators at or below 19 kW can be found in the links below:
Exhaust Regulations, Section 2408.2
Evaporative Regulations, Section 2754.3