New EPA Vehicle Emissions Regulations: What They Mean for Your Business

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new regulations concerning vehicle emissions that are likely to reshape the economy for years to come. These new rules will usher in changes not only for car makers and drivers but for commercial and industrial businesses that operate vehicles or host them on their property. Read ahead to learn more about the updated EPA regulations and the steps you should be taking now to prepare for their effects.

What Are the New EPA Vehicle Emissions Regulations?

The new EPA regulations are aimed at curtailing emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles such as passenger cars, delivery vans, and pickup trucks beginning with the 2027 model year. With these new rules, NPR reports that by 2032, light-duty vehicle emissions will be nearly 50% less "compared to existing standards for model year 2026 vehicles." (Emissions reductions for medium-duty vehicles are likely to hit 44%.) A huge boon for the environment, the updated EPA regulations are anticipated to help the U.S. avoid 7.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

What Do the New EPA Vehicle Emissions Regulations Mean for Businesses?  

Officially called the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, the new rules support the Biden Administration’s goal that “half of all new cars and trucks sold in 2030 [be] zero-emission,” as the President reiterated in a statement.  

While the latest standards don’t represent an electric vehicle mandate — automakers must reduce average emissions across their vehicle lineup, which may include a mix of gas, hybrid, and electric models — the rules could lead to EVs accounting for 67% of new light-duty vehicles by 2032, as GreenBiz reports.

For businesses, this means demand for convenient EV charging options among employees, customers, and visitors will only increase. And companies that plan on expanding their own vehicle fleets in the near future will need to embrace electrification at a quicker pace.

What’s more, some states like California are already requiring that certain types of new buildings set aside a percentage of parking spaces for EVs — which will act as a forcing function for businesses to install EV chargers if they decide to add new properties to their real estate portfolios.

(Related: How to Develop an EV Charging Station Location Strategy.)

How Can Businesses Brace for the EV Boom?

Businesses need to start investing in onsite EV charging stations now to future-proof their operations — and companies that may have already installed a small-scale charging system should consider expanding. But while most businesses tend to agree that more EV chargers are necessary to encourage and support the adoption of clean transportation, installation and operations costs are an enduring concern.  

The good news is that there is a wealth of government and utility-supported incentive programs that can significantly offset expenses. Businesses throughout the U.S. may be eligible for a tax reduction through the Federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, and many states offer rebates for EV charging hardware.  

Working with an experienced EV charging provider who can help you find, apply for, and manage incentives is key. That’s why PowerFlex has created an extensive Policy & Incentives Hub where businesses like yours can view available programs by region.

Start or Expand Your EV Charging System With PowerFlex

In addition to making your EV charging installation more affordable through incentives support, PowerFlex manages charging costs even further via PowerFlex X™ — our intelligent energy management platform. It leverages patented Adaptive Load Management^® algorithms that optimize EV charging to avoid spikes in energy consumption that lead to expensive peak demand charges from your utility company. Plus, by making smarter use of the electricity available and removing the need for infrastructure upgrades, PowerFlex is able to shave up to 60% off implementation costs. The future of transportation is electric — don’t put off preparing for it any longer. Contact PowerFlex today for a full EV charging project assessment.