*   *   *   *   *

(a) Manufacturers may generate credits for CO2-reducing technologies where the CO2 reduction benefit of the technology is not adequately captured on the Federal Test Procedure and/or the Highway Fuel Economy Test such that the technology would not be otherwise installed for purposes of reducing emissions (directly or indirectly) over those test cycles for compliance with the GHG standards. These technologies must have a measurable, demonstrable, and verifiable real-world CO2 reduction that occurs outside the conditions of the Federal Test Procedure and the Highway Fuel Economy Test. These optional credits are referred to as “off-cycle” credits. The technologies must not be integral or inherent to the basic vehicle design, such as engine, transmission, mass reduction, passive aerodynamic design, and tire technologies. Technologies installed for non-off-cycle emissions related reasons are also not eligible as they would be considered part of the baseline vehicle design. The technology must not be inherent to the design of occupant comfort and entertainment features except for technologies related to reducing passenger air conditioning demand and improving air conditioning system efficiency. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (a), off-cycle menu technologies included in paragraph (b) of this section remain eligible for credits. Off-cycle technologies used to generate emission credits are considered emission-related components subject to applicable requirements and must be demonstrated to be effective for the full useful life of the vehicle. Unless the manufacturer demonstrates that the technology is not subject to in-use deterioration, the manufacturer must account for the deterioration in their analysis. Durability evaluations of off-cycle technologies may occur at any time throughout a model year, provided that the results can be factored into the data provided in the model year report. Off-cycle credits may not be approved for crash-avoidance technologies, safety critical systems or systems affecting safety-critical functions, or technologies designed for the purpose of reducing the frequency of vehicle crashes. Off-cycle credits may not be earned for technologies installed on a motor vehicle to attain compliance with any vehicle safety standard or any regulation set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The manufacturer must use one of the three options specified in this section to determine the CO2 gram per mile credit applicable to an off-cycle technology. Note that the option provided in paragraph (b) of this section applies only to the 2014 and later model years. The manufacturer should notify EPA in their pre-model year report of their intention to generate any credits under this section.

(b) *  *  *

(1) *  *  *

(ix) High efficiency alternator. The credit for a high efficiency alternator for passenger automobiles and light trucks shall be calculated using the following equation, and rounded to the nearest 0.1 grams/mile:

*   *   *   *   *

(4) *  *  *

(xiii) High efficiency alternator means an alternator where the ratio of the alternator output power to the power supplied to the alternator is greater than 67 percent, as measured using the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) efficiency measurement methodology.

*   *   *   *   *

(d) *  *  *

(2) Notice and opportunity for public comment.

(i) The Administrator will publish a notice of availability in the Federal Register notifying the public of a manufacturer's proposed alternative off-cycle credit calculation methodology. The notice will include details regarding the proposed methodology but will not include any Confidential Business Information. The notice will include instructions on how to comment on the methodology. The Administrator will take public comments into consideration in the final determination and will notify the public of the final determination. Credits may not be accrued using an approved methodology until the first model year for which the Administrator has issued a final approval.

(ii) The Administrator may waive these notice and comment requirements for technologies for which EPA has previously approved a methodology for determining credits. To qualify for this waiver, the new application must be substantially identical in form, content, and methodology to the application for a previously approved methodology, and must include the following:

(A) A cite to the appropriate previously approved methodology, including the appropriate Federal Register Notice and any subsequent EPA documentation of the Administrator's decision;

(B) All necessary manufacturer- and vehicle-specific test data, modeling, and credit calculations; and,

(C) Any other vehicle- or technology-specific details required pursuant to the previously approved methodology to assess and support an appropriate credit value.

(iii) A waiver of the notice and comment requirements does not imply a determination that a specific credit value for a given technology is appropriate, and nor does it imply a waiver from the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) and (e) of this section.

(iv) The Administrator retains the option to require a notice and opportunity for public comment in cases where a new application deviates in significant respects from a previously approved methodology or raises novel substantive issues.

*   *   *   *   *

Need assistance?