California Energy Commission approves replacement tire efficiency program

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP), which it says sets the nation’s first replacement tire efficiency standards for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.

“The tires that come on new cars are typically designed to give drivers better fuel mileage,” a CEC press release states. “But average replacement tires are less efficient, meaning that consumers often lose mileage and range when they replace their tires. These cost-saving standards are designed to ensure that replacement tires are at least as energy efficient, on average, as tires sold on new vehicles.”

A slide deck presented by CEC staff during a public hearing on the program in June explains that when tires resist the road more as they roll, the heat that’s created causes energy loss that would otherwise keep the vehicle in motion.

“Lower rolling resistance tires commonly come standard on new vehicles, since they help automakers achieve better fuel economy and range,” a presentation slide states. “While low rolling resistance tires are also available as replacement tires, the average replacement tire is less efficient, which reduces fuel economy and range.”

According to the presentation, “under Pub. Resources Code, § 25772, CEC is required to adopt: ‘…a tire energy efficiency program of statewide applicability for replacement tires, designed to ensure that replacement tires sold in the state are at least as energy efficient, on average, as tires sold in the state as original equipment on new passenger cars and light-duty trucks.'”

CEC commissioners have unanimously approved the RTEP standards. They are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2 million metric tons per year, equivalent to taking 400,000 gasoline cars off California roads. CEC says they will also save California drivers nearly $1 billion per year in gasoline and electricity costs.

“This action will help Californians save approximately $1 billion a year on refueling while reducing pollution and extending the range of vehicles on the road,” said CEC Chair David Hochschild in the release.

The incremental cost for consumers is $1.50 per tire during the first phase of the program, slated for between 2029 and 2033, and $6.50 per tire during phase two, slated for 2033 and beyond.

“A typical driver of a gasoline car with more efficient tires will save $179 of gasoline over the life of a set of tires, or about seven times the incremental cost,” the release states. “These savings were calculated with gasoline prices of $4.60 per gallon. At the elevated gasoline prices of mid-2026, the savings could be 25% higher than estimated.”

CEC says replacement tires exist that already meet the standards, and they are “popular, safe, long-lasting, competitively priced, and made by a wide range of manufacturers.”

The release notes that manufacturers will have years to adjust the design of tires that don’t yet meet the standard, which comes into full effect in 2033.

CEC says it has conducted extensive laboratory testing on the most popular replacement tires in California, and reviewed best-in-class industry data from companies including Discount Tire.

“This analysis confirms that the regulation is cost-effective and feasible, and that there will be no adverse tradeoffs with tire lifespan, safety, or other characteristics,” the release states.

“The CEC also conducted a five-year stakeholder engagement process with the tire industry, including manufacturers and trade associations. Based on feedback from stakeholders, the CEC has carved out exceptions for certain specialty tires, such as competition tires, large off-road tires, and all-weather winter performance tires. It also created product categories for long-life tires, ultra-high-performance tires, low-load-index tires, and other tires with special characteristics.”

Karim D. Marshall, Consumer Federation of America climate and energy policy director, is quoted in the release as agreeing with the standards.

“[The state] is at the cusp of adopting a program that will deliver real cost savings and environmental benefits to the people of California, allowing you to drive forward energy and climate benefits,” he said.

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