Stellantis Reaches Deal With CARB Board On Emissions Regs

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, FIAT, and Ram, has inked a groundbreaking agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This accord aims to pave the way for a more sustainable automotive industry while steering clear of potential legal battles.

“Together, we have found a win-win solution that is good for the customer and good for the planet,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “This agreement will avoid 10 to 12 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the agreement and will also allow our U.S. customers to fully benefit from our advanced technologies, including five plug-in hybrids and two pure electric vehicles. We remain as determined as ever to offer sustainable options across our brand portfolio and being a leader in the global decarbonization efforts.”

This agreement, brokered after Stellantis’s past opposition to California’s stringent emissions standards, signifies a paradigm shift in the company’s stance. Tavares highlighted the importance of embracing advanced technologies, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles (EVs), to meet market demand while championing global decarbonization efforts.

“This partnership with Stellantis will help California achieve our ambitious goals to drastically cut pollution and get more clean cars on the roads,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “The biggest and most influential companies in the world understand that this is how we can fight climate change together, and it’s another example of the private sector joining California to help millions of people get into clean vehicles.”

As part of the deal, Stellantis commits not only to emission reductions but also to invest in expanding public EV charging infrastructure. The automaker pledges $4 million towards installing chargers in California and an additional $6 million in other states adhering to similar emissions standards.

Furthermore, Stellantis intends to enhance EV education efforts, collaborating with advocacy groups such as Veloz. This initiative aims to empower communities, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, by providing discounted EVs and promoting awareness about sustainable mobility options.

Stellantis currently sells PHEVs in the U.S., including the No. 1 selling Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Dodge Hornet, and Alfa Romeo Tonale. Two pure EVs are also currently available – Fiat 500e and Ram ProMaster EV. The company also plans to introduce eight new EVs later this year, including Ram 1500 REV, Dodge Charger Daytona, Jeep Wagoneer S, and Jeep Recon.