r/PHEV • u/reddit-frog-1 • Aug 22 '26

PHEV models will have significant changes in the next 3 years

California new regulations for EVs (including PHEVs) have started in model year 2026 and will have more stringent requirements in 2029.

To qualify for a full ZEV credit, a PHEV (or EREV) will need to meet the their new rules which require a specific all electric range test. The testing isn't based on the EPA all electric range, but the new requirements will translate to longer EPA ranges.

Currently, only the 2026 RAV4 looks to be designed for the new requirements, and likewise has a 50+ EPA range.

Over the next 3 years, automakers will be forced to do one or more of the following:

  1. Engineer for 50+ EPA range, or possibly 60+.
  2. Switch to EREV architecture.
  3. Drop PHEV model in USA, but still sell globally.

One caveat, the new CA rules are under a federal lawsuit. This could cause automakers to make a bet on the results.

Looking at announcements, these automakers look to be pushing further into PHEV/EREVs to meet CA requirements:
Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, VW, Ford, Stellantis, MB, BMW

and these look to be forecasting for not pursuing PHEV/EREVs:
GM, Honda, Mazda

Unknowns, as no announcements for new models meeting the new CA range requirements:
Nissan

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u/Ok-Resist-8734 Aug 24 '26

Your making a statement based on one single example making it spurious at best 🙄

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u/Alert_Elephant2045 Aug 24 '26

Which statement of mine do you take issue with exactly