WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled new proposed federal vehicle emissions standards that could accelerate the ongoing transition to electric vehicles. If enacted, the standards for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles for model year 2027 and beyond would significantly reduce air pollution.

The “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium Duty Vehicles” builds on EPA’s existing emission standards for passenger cars and light trucks. 

Depending on the compliance pathways automakers select to meet the standards, EPA projects that EVs could account for up to 67 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales and 46 percent of new medium-duty vehicle sales by 2032.

“By proposing the most ambitious pollution standards ever for cars and trucks, we are delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to protect people and the planet, securing critical reductions in dangerous air and climate pollution, and ensuring significant economic benefits like lower fuel and maintenance costs for families,” says EPA Administrator Michael Regan. 

“These ambitious standards are readily achievable thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is already driving historic progress to build more American-made electric cars and secure America’s global competitiveness,” claims Regan.