Starting January 1, 2025, stringent emission regulations will make it nearly impossible to sell or register new motorhomes in California and five other states: New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.
California’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations require manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including RVs, to achieve 35% sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The problem? A ZEV-compatible RV chassis doesn’t yet exist. This rule forces dealerships to comply or risk losing the ability to sell motorhomes entirely.
Other states have adopted California’s rules under agreements to align emission standards. These new policies are part of broader efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air, but they’ve sparked fierce debate. Critics argue the policies effectively ban RVs by setting unrealistic benchmarks for manufacturers.
Even purchasing an RV out of state won’t solve the issue for many buyers. States like California may refuse to register vehicles that fail to meet ZEV benchmarks after 2026. As a result, some RV owners may face the inconvenience of registering their vehicles elsewhere.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is pushing for exemptions or delays, emphasizing that the technology to produce ZEV motorhomes is still years away. Manufacturers currently rely on emission credits to maintain internal combustion engine (ICE) sales, but this workaround is temporary.
As the January deadline approaches, the RV industry faces a reckoning. These regulations may reshape the market, leaving manufacturers, dealers, and consumers navigating uncharted territory.
https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/californias-ban-motorhomes-what-you-need-know
https://rvlifestyle.com/motorhome-sales-banned/
https://www.rvtravel.com/breaking-motorhome-market-crisis-california-rules-shutting-sales-6-states/