Mullen Automotive Inc.'s all-electric Class 3 low cab forward chassis truck recently received California Air Resources Board certification, which is awarded to manufacturers that meet specific emissions standards in compliance with California's more stringent transport regulations.
The District of Columbia and 14 states, including California, have adopted vehicle standards under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, which requires additional approvals beyond EPA regulations. Having received credentials from CARB and the EPA, Mullen can now sell both the Mullen One and Three in every U.S. state.
Additionally, CARB certification opens both the Mullen One and Three eligibility for critical state EV incentive programs, which vary by each eligible CARB-compliant state. The certification takes on even more significance with CARB's recent Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which will require that state and local government fleets ensure 50% of vehicle purchases are zero-emission beginning in 2024 and 100% of vehicle purchases are zero-emission by 2027. Fleets that fall under high priority may also elect to utilize ZEV milestones to meet overall ZEV targets.
See also: CARB releases HD engine, vehicle guidance documents
California's HVIP project is an example of a state incentive program available to CARB-certified vehicles. Under HVIP, the Mullen Three EV truck, with a suggested MSRP of $68,500.00, may qualify for a rebate of up to $45,000, and when combined with the available $7,500 federal tax credit, the net effective cost of the Mullen Three would be less than $20,000.
"CARB approval accelerates commercialization of the Mullen Three and makes our vehicle even more appealing to customers who want to electrify their fleets," said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. "Having both our Class 1 and Class 3 commercial EVs now CARB and EPA certified will continue to drive sales in all states across America."
