The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved a rule requiring airport shuttles at the state’s 13 largest airports to transition entirely to ZEVs by 2035. The regulation applies to both public and private fleets, including those from parking facilities, rental car agencies, and hotels.

Six California airports and private fleets serving nine airports have already purchased ZEV shuttles, according to CARB. There are currently 48 ZEV shuttles in operation and almost 100 more have been ordered, representing 15 percent of all airport shuttles in the state.

The new rule will roll out in phases. Beginning in 2022, shuttle fleets will be required to report the details of their vehicles. Starting in 2023, if fleets are replacing a ZEV shuttle, the replacement vehicle must also be a ZEV.

The schedule is intended to allow fleets to retain eligibility for incentive funding during most of the transition period, as well as allowing fleets to use their current shuttles for the remainder of their useful life.

The regulation is expected to impact almost 1,000 shuttles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 500,000 metric tons. Shuttle fleet owners are estimated to save $30 million in fuel and maintenance costs from 2020 to 2040, according to CARB.

Source: California Air Resources Board