California Saves Drivers $1B
New tire efficiency rules to reduce carbon emissions by 2 million tons annually, starting in 2029
California has approved the nation's first standards for tire efficiency, which could save drivers approximately $1 billion a year on refueling and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2 million tons annually.
The new rules will be phased in over two periods, starting in 2029 and becoming stricter in 2033. The first phase will target the most inefficient tires, while the second phase will establish an even stricter rolling resistance limit.
The rules will also establish a labeling system that gives tires a 'leaf' rating, making it easier for consumers to find the best options. Certain types of tires, including snow tires, competition tires, and all-weather tires, will be exempt from the new rules.
California's new rules will have a stricter rolling resistance limit than Europe, which has enforced a ceiling since 2012. The first phase of the new rules will have a limit of around 9 newtons per kilonewton, while the second phase will have a limit of around 7 newtons per kilonewton.
## Why it matters The new rules are significant because they address a problem that most people are not aware of: inefficient tires. When automakers design a new vehicle, low rolling resistance tires are one of the least expensive ways to improve fuel economy. However, replacement tires are often less efficient, resulting in internal combustion vehicles burning more gasoline and EVs needing more electricity. The new rules will help consumers make informed decisions when buying replacement tires, which could save them money and reduce pollution.
The state's regulatory analysis found that between 82% and 91% of replacement tires would not comply with the new rules, while tire makers estimate that around 70% of the current market would fail to meet the standards. The commission's own costing estimates that the increase in cost per tire will be modest, at $1.50 in the first phase and $6.50 in the second phase, against roughly $179 of fuel savings over the life of a set.
## What happens next The new rules will take effect in two phases, with the first phase starting in 2029 and the second phase starting in 2033. The state expects that the changes could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2 million tons annually, which is equivalent to taking around 400,000 cars off the road. The new labeling system will also make it easier for consumers to find energy-efficient tires, which could lead to increased demand for such tires and drive innovation in the industry.
