California is once again proposing a measure that could have repercussions far beyond its borders. The State Energy Commission (CEC) is working on a proposal, aimed at reducing fuel consumption and improving the energy efficiency of vehicles by regulating the rolling resistance of tires.
One thing is clear, on paper the goal is simple: the lower the rolling resistance, the less energy a vehicle needs to move. This translates into lower fuel consumption in combustion models and greater autonomy in electric vehicles. According to the commission’s own calculations, the measure could save drivers hundreds of millions of euros a year in energy costs.
However, obviously, the initiative has generated a lot of concern. And as we are telling you, it has crossed the pond. As we all know, all high-performance tires that stand out for their grip, especially those used in circuit sessions or very sporty driving, have rolling resistance levels higher than those proposed by the future regulations.
Do we say goodbye to circuit tires?
The proposal sets minimum efficiency requirements that all tires on the market should meet. In practice, some models, especially oriented towards maximum performance, could be excluded from the Californian market if they do not reach the values required by the standard. That is to say, a problem.
But the news has a much calmer reading for motorists. Among the exceptions provided for by the proposal are expressly motorcycle tires, so “rubber” intended for motorcycles would not be affected by this regulation.
Certain low-production tires, winter tires and some very specific categories would also be excluded. As we can guess, this exception is key for the motorcycle sector, where many models prioritize grip, dynamic behavior or performance over pure energy efficiency.
Even so, the debate is interesting for the world of 2 wheels. The industry has been working for years to reduce rolling resistance without compromising safety, especially in scooters and motorcycles intended for urban use, where efficiency is becoming increasingly important.
Various comparative studies indicate that some tires, developed specifically to maximize energy efficiency, have a shorter lifespan than other more conventional models. If this occurs, it could increase the frequency of replacement and, therefore, the manufacturing and recycling of tires, with the consequent economic and environmental impact.
For now nothing has been decided. The regulations remain in the study and debate phase, and could still undergo important modifications before becoming law.
In any case, if it finally goes ahead, it would not come into force until January 1, 2028. Meanwhile, fans of 2-wheeled sports will continue to pay attention to a proposal that seeks to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, but that also reopens the eternal debate between sustainability, performance and freedom of choice for the most passionate motor users. Bad business…
